HOOCCH2CHOHCH3

HOOCCH2CHOHCH3 is the chemical formula for 2-hydroxy-3-oxobutanoic acid, also known as lactic acid. It is an organic acid with the molecular formula C3H6O3. Lactic acid is a carboxylic acid that contains a hydroxyl group on the second carbon atom. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it exists as two stereoisomers, L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid, which are mirror images of each other.

Lactic acid is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates, such as glucose, by various bacteria, including Lactobacillus species. It is also found naturally in muscle cells as a byproduct of anaerobic respiration. In the human body, L-lactic acid is the predominant isomer.

This compound plays a significant role in various biological and industrial processes. In the food industry, it is used as a preservative, flavoring agent, and pH regulator. It contributes to the characteristic sour taste of fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. In the cosmetic industry, it is used as an exfoliant and moisturizer in skincare products. Industrially, lactic acid is a precursor for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and compostable plastic.