2Ketopentanoic

2-Ketopentanoic acid, also known as alpha-ketovalerate or $\alpha$-ketovalerate, is a keto acid with the chemical formula $\text{C}_5\text{H}_8\text{O}_3$. It is a five-carbon compound containing a ketone group at the second carbon and a carboxylic acid group at the first carbon.

This molecule plays a significant role in intermediary metabolism. It is an important intermediate in the catabolism of the amino acid valine. In this pathway, valine is transaminated to $\alpha$-ketoisovalerate, which is then further metabolized. 2-Ketopentanoic acid is also involved in the metabolism of other amino acids, such as leucine and isoleucine.

Furthermore, 2-ketopentanoic acid is a precursor in the biosynthesis of certain compounds. It can be decarboxylated to form butyryl-CoA, a molecule important in fatty acid synthesis and the citric acid cycle. In some organisms, it can also be a substrate for reductive amination to form norvaline, a non-proteinogenic amino acid.

The presence and concentration of 2-ketopentanoic acid in biological systems can be indicative of metabolic status. For example, elevated levels can sometimes be associated with certain metabolic disorders or conditions affecting amino acid metabolism. It is a polar molecule and is soluble in water.