HOOCCHOHCH2CH3

HOOCCHOHCH2CH3 is the chemical formula for 2-hydroxybutanoic acid, also known as alpha-hydroxybutyric acid. It is an organic compound that belongs to the class of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Structurally, it features a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom, which is also bonded to an ethyl group (-CH2CH3) and a hydrogen atom. This specific arrangement makes it a chiral molecule, meaning it exists as two enantiomers, (R)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid and (S)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid, which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

2-hydroxybutanoic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in various biological systems. It is a metabolite in the human body, often produced through the metabolism of threonine. It can be found in small quantities in milk and dairy products. In industrial applications, it can be synthesized chemically. Its properties as an alpha-hydroxy acid have led to its exploration in cosmetic and dermatological contexts, where AHAs are known for their exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. However, its widespread use in consumer products is less common compared to other AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid.