L3hydroxybutanoic

L3hydroxybutanoic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H8O4. It is a derivative of butanoic acid, where the third carbon atom is hydroxylated. This compound is a component of the Krebs cycle, a central metabolic pathway in cells that produces energy. In the cycle, L3hydroxybutanoic acid is formed from acetoacetyl-CoA and is subsequently converted into acetoacetate. This conversion is catalyzed by the enzyme 3-hydroxybutanoic dehydrogenase. L3hydroxybutanoic acid is also a precursor to various other compounds, including ketone bodies, which are produced during periods of low carbohydrate availability. The compound is typically found in biological systems and is not commonly used in industrial applications. Its primary significance lies in its role within the metabolic processes of living organisms.