3-Hydroxybutyric acid

Synonym(s):(±)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid;DL-β-Hydroxybutyric acid

CAS NO.：625-71-8
Empirical Formula: C4H8O3
Molecular Weight: 104.1
MDL number: MFCD00004546
EINECS: 206-099-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-28 01:12:24

What is 3-Hydroxybutyric acid?

The Uses of 3-Hydroxybutyric acid

3-Hydroxybutyric acid was used in enantioselective synthesis of D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid by Escherichia coli.

Definition

ChEBI: 3-hydroxybutyric acid is a straight-chain 3-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid comprising a butyric acid core with a single hydroxy substituent in the 3- position; a ketone body whose levels are raised during ketosis, used as an energy source by the brain during fasting in humans. Also used to synthesise biodegradable plastics. It has a role as a human metabolite. It is a 3-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid, a hydroxybutyric acid and an (omega-1)-hydroxy fatty acid. It is functionally related to a butyric acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 3-hydroxybutyrate.

General Description

3-Hydroxybutyric acid forms films of random copolymer with (R)-3-hydroxypentanoic acid, (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid and (S,S)-lactide by the melt-crystallized method. It is an important intermediate for the fine chemical industry.

Properties of 3-Hydroxybutyric acid

Melting point:	49°C
Boiling point:	118-120 °C/2 mmHg (lit.)
Density	1.126 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.443(lit.)
Flash point:	>230 °F
storage temp.	2-8°C
pka	4.70(at 25℃)
CAS DataBase Reference	625-71-8(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Butanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-(625-71-8)

Safety information for 3-Hydroxybutyric 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. 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. P405:Store locked up.