2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

Synonym(s):2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionic acid;2-Methyllactic acid;alpha-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

CAS NO.：594-61-6
Empirical Formula: C4H8O3
Molecular Weight: 104.1
MDL number: MFCD00004459
EINECS: 209-848-8
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-03-17 20:01:48

What is 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid?

Chemical properties

white to off-white needle-like crystals or

The Uses of 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid is used as background electrolyte for separation and detection of the metal ions by on-line cyclic voltammetry.

The Uses of 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid is used as an electrolyte in the separation of the metal ions by on-line cyclic voltammetry. It is also used as a building block for the synthesis of polymers. Its conjugate base, 2-hydroxybutyrate is utilized to catabolize L-threonine as well as synthesize glutathione. Further, it is used as an indicator for the early detection insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects.

The Uses of 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid was used as background electrolyte for separation and detection of the metal ions by on-line cyclic voltammetry.

What are the applications of Application

α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid is a building block for polymer synthesis

Definition

ChEBI: A 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is isobutyric acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 2. It is a metabolite of methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 23, p. 1488, 1958 DOI: 10.1021/jo01104a022

General Description

α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-hydroxyisobutyric acid) is the building block for polymer synthesis. It forms complexes with Eu(III) and has been studied by time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

Properties of 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

Melting point:	76-80 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	84 °C1.5 mm Hg(lit.)
Density	11412
refractive index	1.4761 (estimate)
Flash point:	114°C/12mm
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility	water: soluble10%, clear to very slightly hazy, colorless
form	Solid
pka	pK1:3.717 (25°C,μ=0.1)
color	White to Off-White
Water Solubility	Soluble in water, ether, alcohol, methanol and hot benzene.
BRN	1744739
CAS DataBase Reference	594-61-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-(594-61-6)
EPA Substance Registry System	Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl- (594-61-6)

Safety information for 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H318:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P403+P233:Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.