3hydroxypropionatzyklus

3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is an organic compound with the formula C3H6O3. It contains a carboxyl group at one end of a three-carbon chain and a terminal hydroxyl group on the opposite end, giving it both acidic and alcoholic character. In its pure form, it is a colorless, hygroscopic liquid that is miscible with water and many organic solvents.

In nature, 3-HP occurs only in trace amounts, but it has gained attention as a versatile platform chemical for sustainable manufacturing. Biotechnological routes under development in academia and industry aim to produce 3-HP from renewable feedstocks such as glycerol or glucose by engineered microbial pathways that channel carbon into 3-HP through intermediates related to malonyl-CoA. Chemically, 3-HP can be produced by dehydration of glycerate derivatives or by other renewable-feedstock chemistries.

Applications and interconversions: 3-HP is valued as a precursor to a range of downstream products. It can be chemically converted to acrylic acid via dehydration, offering a route to acrylic esters and polymers. It can also be oxidized to malonic semialdehyde and ultimately to malonic acid, or converted into esters and specialty polymers, including polyhydroxypropionate materials in research settings.

Safety and handling: 3-HP is corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation on contact. It should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection, in a well-ventilated area. It is typically stored in tightly closed containers away from incompatible materials.

See also: acrylic acid, malonic acid, biobased chemicals.