2oxopentanoate

2-oxopentanoate, also known as α-ketoisovalerate, is a keto acid derived from the branched-chain amino acid valine. It plays a role in metabolic pathways, particularly in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids. Structurally, it consists of a five-carbon chain with a ketone group (C=O) at the alpha position (carbon 2) and a carboxyl group (COOH) at the terminal end.

In biological systems, 2-oxopentanoate is produced through the oxidative deamination of valine, a process catalyzed by branched-chain amino acid transferase (BCAT) and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH). This reaction generates ammonia and 2-oxopentanoate, which then enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle via conversion into succinyl-CoA, contributing to energy production.

Deficiencies in enzymes involved in its metabolism, such as BCKDH, can lead to metabolic disorders, including maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), where 2-oxopentanoate and related keto acids accumulate in the blood and urine. This condition is characterized by neurological symptoms and requires dietary management to prevent complications.

In research and industrial applications, 2-oxopentanoate may serve as a precursor for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialty chemicals. Its metabolic significance and potential synthetic utility make it a compound of interest in both biochemical and chemical engineering fields.