C3H4O3

C3H4O3 is the molecular formula for pyruvic acid, also known as 2-oxopropanoic acid. It is the simplest α-keto carboxylic acid and a central metabolite in carbohydrate metabolism. Its structure comprises a methyl group attached to a carbonyl-bearing carbon: CH3-CO-CO2H.

In cells, pyruvic acid is produced by glycolysis from phosphoenolpyruvate and serves as a key branching point for energy production. Under aerobic conditions, it is converted to acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, entering the citric acid cycle; under anaerobic conditions, it is reduced to lactate to regenerate NAD+. Pyruvic acid also participates in gluconeogenesis via carboxylation to oxaloacetate and in amino acid metabolism through transamination to alanine.

Chemically, pyruvic acid is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water and features both a carboxyl and a keto group. It is reactive and can undergo decarboxylation to acetaldehyde and CO2 under appropriate conditions, as well as various condensations and reductions used in organic synthesis and metabolic studies.

Safety and handling notes: pyruvic acid is a corrosive and irritant chemical. It should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment in a well-ventilated area, stored cool and in appropriate containers, and kept away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.

See also: pyruvate, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, alpha-keto acids.