alpha-Ketobutyric acid
Agent Name
alpha-Ketobutyric acid
CAS Number
600-18-0
Formula
C4-H6-O3
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
2-Oxobutanoic acid; 2-Oxobutyric acid; 3-Methylpyruvic acid; alpha-Oxo-n-butyric acid; alpha-Oxobutyrate; Butanoic acid, 2-oxo-; Butyric acid, 2-oxo-; Formic acid, propionyl-; Ketobutyrate; Pyruvic acid, methyl-; 2-Ketobutyric acid; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Amino Acids and Derivatives
Description
Colorless hygroscopic paste; mp = 32-34 deg C; [Acros Organics MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used as a flavoring agent; [FDA] "alpha-Ketobutyric acid is a product of the lysis of cystathionine. It is also one of the degradation products of threonine, produced by the catabolism of the amino acid by threonine dehydratase. It is also produced by the degradation of homocysteine and the metabolism of methionine. Alpha-Ketobutyric acid is transported into the mitochondrial matrix, where it is converted to propionyl-CoA by Branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex. Further mitochondrial reactions produce succinyl CoA." [Wikipedia]
Comments
Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] An irritant; May cause CNS depression; [Acros Organics MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.