Levulinic acid
Agent Name
Levulinic acid
CAS Number
123-76-2
Formula
C5-H8-O3
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
3-Acetylpropionic acid; 3-Acetylpropionsaeure; 3-Ketobutane-1-carboxylic acid; 4-Ketovaleric acid; 4-Oxopentanoic acid; 4-Oxopentansaeure; 4-Oxovaleric acid; Acetopropionic acid; Acidum laevulinicum; beta-Acetylpropionic acid; gamma-Ketovaleric acid; Laevulic acid; Laevulinic acid; LEVA; Levulic acid; Levulinsaeure; Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-; Propionic acid, 3-acetyl-; Valeric acid, 4-oxo-; [ChemIDplus] gamma-Oxopentanoic acid; gamma-Oxovaleric acid; [JECFA]
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Solid; Product of industry is yellow; mp = 33-35 deg C; [Merck Index] Solid; mp = 30-33 deg C; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used to make nylon, synthetic rubber, plastic, and medicinals; [Merck Index] Used as a flavoring agent; [FDA] Used to flavor animal feeds; [ExPub: EFSA - FEEDAP]
Comments
A moderate skin irritant; [RTECS] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] A skin and strong eye irritant; Harmful by ingestion; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: