Description

3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-Butanoic Acid is a chiral hydroxy acid with significant utility in fine chemical synthesis. Its value lies in its role as a versatile building block for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and flavor & fragrance compounds, where its specific stereochemistry is often critical. This product is essential for R&D and production chemists in the pharmaceutical, food additive, and specialty chemical industries seeking high-purity chiral intermediates.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Key chiral precursor in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly for drugs targeting metabolic and neurological pathways.
• Flavor and Fragrance Ingredient: Used in the creation of complex, natural-tasting flavor compounds and as a component in sophisticated perfume formulations.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Serves as a building block for producing chiral pesticides and herbicides, where enantiomeric purity can affect biological activity.
• Biochemical Research: Employed as a standard or reagent in enzymatic studies and metabolic pathway analysis.
• Polymer Modification: Can be incorporated into polymers to introduce hydroxyl functionality, altering material properties like hydrophilicity and biodegradability.
• Cosmetic Ingredients: Potential use in the synthesis of specialty esters for skincare products.

Basic Information

Product Name	3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-Butanoic Acid
CAS No.	473-86-9
Molecular Formula	C5H10O3
Molecular Weight	118.13 g/mol
Synonyms	2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyric acid; 3-Hydroxy-2-methylbutyric acid; (R/S)-3-Hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid; 2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutanoic acid; (±)-3-Hydroxy-2-methylbutyric acid; α-Methyl-β-hydroxybutyric acid; 3-Hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate
EINECS	207-473-5

Quality Control

Our 3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-Butanoic Acid is manufactured under a strict quality management system. Each batch is analyzed to confirm identity, purity, and chiral integrity where specified. We provide comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing all test results, and can support compliance with REACH and other global regulatory frameworks upon request.

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 nature, the container must be kept tightly sealed to minimize exposure to atmospheric moisture. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Melting Point	Contact for details
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Specific Rotation (if chiral)	Contact for details
Heavy Metals	< 10 ppm
Residue on Ignition	< 0.1%

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