HOCH2CHOHCOOH

HOCH2CHOHCOOH, also known as glyceric acid, is a simple carbohydrate that is an oxidized derivative of glycerol. It is a trihydroxy acid with the chemical formula C3H6O4. Glyceric acid exists as a chiral molecule, meaning it has two enantiomers, D-glyceric acid and L-glyceric acid. These enantiomers differ in their three-dimensional structure and can have different biological activities.

In biological systems, glyceric acid is an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It can be formed through the oxidation of glycerol, a component of fats. Glyceric acid plays a role in pathways such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. It can also be further metabolized to other important molecules.

Chemically, glyceric acid is a carboxylic acid with hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbons. This structure allows it to participate in reactions characteristic of both alcohols and carboxylic acids. It can form esters and amides, and the hydroxyl groups can be further oxidized. While not as common as other simple organic acids, glyceric acid is found naturally in some fruits and is involved in various metabolic processes within living organisms.