2-Oxobutyric acid

Synonym(s):α-Ketobutyric acid;2-Ketobutyric acid;2-Oxobutanoic acid;2-Oxobutyric acid;Propionylformic acid

CAS NO.：600-18-0
Empirical Formula: C4H6O3
Molecular Weight: 102.09
MDL number: MFCD00004164
EINECS: 209-986-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-07-17 09:03:53

What is 2-Oxobutyric acid?

Chemical properties

COLOURLESS TO ALMOST COLOURLESS CRYSTALS

Chemical properties

2-Oxobutyric acid has a sweet, brown, caramel, creamy odor.

Occurrence

Reported found in beer and black tea.

The Uses of 2-Oxobutyric acid

2-Oxobutyric acid (α-ketobutyric acid) may be used as an analytical reference standard for the determination of the analyte in K562 cells by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and in drinking water at low microgram per liter concentrations by ion chromatography technique.

The Uses of 2-Oxobutyric acid

A substrate for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.This compound is suitable for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) related research.

What are the applications of Application

2-Ketobutyric acid is A important member of amino acid metabolism

Definition

ChEBI: A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is the 2-oxo derivative of butanoic acid.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 25 ppm: sweet, brown, creamy, caramellic with a fatty nuance.

General Description

2-Oxobutyric acid is mainly found in the hydrolysates of proteins, reportedly being formed by the degradation of threonine.

Properties of 2-Oxobutyric acid

Melting point:	30-34 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	84 °C20 mm Hg(lit.)
Density	1.2000
refractive index	1.3972 (estimate)
FEMA	3723 \| 2-OXOBUTYRIC ACID
Flash point:	179 °F
storage temp.	Store at +2°C to +8°C.
solubility	H2O: soluble0.1g/mL, clear
form	liquid
pka	2.5(at 25℃)
Specific Gravity	1.3972 (20/4℃)
color	White to Almost white
PH	3.11(1 mM solution);2.38(10 mM solution);1.79(100 mM solution);
Odor	at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. sweet brown caramel creamy lactonic
JECFA Number	589
BRN	1700514
CAS DataBase Reference	600-18-0(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Butanoic acid, 2-oxo-(600-18-0)
EPA Substance Registry System	2-Oxobutyric acid (600-18-0)

Safety information for 2-Oxobutyric acid

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05
GHS Hazard Statements	H314:Skin corrosion/irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P363:Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P301+P330+P331:IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.