Description

4-Hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid is a versatile keto acid derivative that serves as a key chiral building block and metabolic intermediate. This compound matters for its role in fine chemical synthesis and biochemical research, offering a reactive scaffold for producing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials. Industries that need it include pharmaceutical R&D for prodrug development, biotechnology for metabolic pathway studies, and industrial chemistry for synthesizing complex organic molecules.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Used in the synthesis of chiral drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly those targeting metabolic pathways.
• Biochemical Research: Serves as a precursor or standard in the study of amino acid metabolism, such as in lysine and tryptophan biosynthesis pathways.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Acts as a building block for developing advanced herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators.
• Flavor & Fragrance Industry: Employed in the production of complex aroma chemicals and flavor enhancers.
• Cosmetic Ingredients: Utilized in the synthesis of specialty esters and other compounds for advanced skincare formulations.
• Organic Synthesis: A valuable starting material for asymmetric synthesis, heterocycle formation, and the preparation of other fine chemicals.

Basic Information

Product Name	4-Hydroxy-2-Oxopentanoic Acid
CAS No.	3318-73-8
Molecular Formula	C5H8O4
Molecular Weight	132.11 g/mol
Synonyms	2-Keto-4-hydroxypentanoic acid; 4-Hydroxy-2-oxovaleric acid; 2-Oxo-4-hydroxypentanoic acid; α-Keto-γ-hydroxyvaleric acid; 4-Hydroxy-2-ketopentanoic acid; Hydroxyoxopentanoic acid; 2-Oxopentanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-; (4S)-4-Hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid (for enantiomer)
EINECS	222-017-5

Quality Control

Our 4-Hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acid is manufactured under a strict quality management system. Each batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including HPLC for purity and chiral purity assessment, to ensure it meets the high standards required for research and industrial use. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing identity, purity, and impurity profiles is provided with every shipment.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Due to its hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) nature, the container must be kept tightly sealed after opening to prevent degradation by atmospheric moisture.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Chiral Purity (HPLC)	Contact for details
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals	≤ 10 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.