3Hydroxypropanal

3Hydroxypropanal, also known as 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde or acrolein hydrate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H6O2. It is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water. It exists in equilibrium with its cyclic hemiacetal form, 2-hydroxy-1,3-dioxane. This compound is an intermediate in several biological processes, including the metabolism of some amino acids. It can be formed through the hydration of acrolein, a highly reactive aldehyde. 3Hydroxypropanal is also a product of lipid peroxidation and can be found in various biological samples.

Industrially, 3hydroxypropanal can be produced through the hydration of acrolein. It has also been investigated as a potential building block for the synthesis of various chemicals and polymers. However, due to its reactivity and tendency to polymerize, its handling and storage require specific conditions. The compound has been studied for its role in cellular damage and its potential as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Its presence in biological systems is often linked to metabolic pathways involving sugars and fatty acids.