CH3COCOCH2CH3

CH3COCOCH2CH3, also known as ethyl pyruvate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H8O3. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. Ethyl pyruvate is an ester derived from pyruvic acid and ethanol. Structurally, it features a ketone group adjacent to an ester group, making it a vicinal diketone ester.

This compound finds applications in various fields. In the food industry, it can be used as a flavoring agent due to its sweet, apple-like aroma. It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other organic molecules. In scientific research, ethyl pyruvate has been investigated for its potential antioxidant properties and its role in biological pathways. It is soluble in many organic solvents and has a moderate boiling point. Due to its reactive functional groups, it can undergo various chemical transformations, including condensation reactions and reduction.