3hydroxyhexanoate

3-hydroxyhexanoate is a chiral organic compound with the chemical formula C6H12O3. It is a hydroxy acid, meaning it contains both a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group. The hydroxyl group is located on the third carbon atom of the hexane chain, hence the "3-hydroxy" prefix. The "hexanoate" part indicates a six-carbon carboxylic acid ester or salt derivative of hexanoic acid.

This molecule exists as two enantiomers: (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate and (S)-3-hydroxyhexanoate, due to the chiral center at the third carbon. These enantiomers have identical physical properties except for their interaction with plane-polarized light.

In biological systems, 3-hydroxyhexanoate is a metabolite. It can be produced through the breakdown of fatty acids, specifically through beta-oxidation. It is also a precursor to certain polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biodegradable plastics synthesized by various microorganisms. The specific enantiomeric form and its presence in biological samples can be indicative of certain metabolic states or conditions. Research continues into its role in cellular metabolism and its potential applications in biotechnology and materials science.