3hydroxypropionic

3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is a small carboxylic acid containing a carboxyl group and a terminal hydroxyl group on a three-carbon chain. Its molecular formula is C3H6O3, and its preferred IUPAC name is 3-hydroxypropanoic acid; it is also known as beta-hydroxypropionic acid. The structure classifies it as a beta-hydroxy carboxylic acid.

In nature, 3-HP occurs as a metabolic intermediate in certain microorganisms. It features prominently in the 3-hydroxypropionate bicycle, a CO2 fixation pathway used by some autotrophic bacteria. The compound can also be produced synthetically or biosynthetically in engineered microbes from substrates such as glycerol or via pathways that reduce malonyl-CoA to 3-HP.

3-Hydroxypropionic acid is of interest as a platform chemical. It can be dehydrated to acrylic acid, a widely used monomer for polymers and superabsorbent materials. It is also a monomer for the production of poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (P3HP), a biodegradable bioplastic, and serves as a precursor to other value-added chemicals through various chemical transformations.

Safety and handling considerations follow typical practices for carboxylic acids with hydroxyl functionality. 3-HP can be irritating to skin and eyes and should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment and in well-ventilated conditions. Proper storage in sealed containers and away from incompatibles is advised.