RS3hydroxybutan2one

RS3hydroxybutan2one refers to the racemic form of 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, a small chiral ketol alcohol also known as acetoin. Its chemical formula is C4H8O2, and the approximate molecular weight is 88.11 g/mol. The structure consists of a methyl ketone moiety (acetyl) linked to a secondary carbon bearing a hydroxyl group, giving CH3-CO-CHOH-CH3. The molecule has one stereogenic center at the C3 position, producing two enantiomers, R and S. The racemic mixture is thus RS-3-hydroxybutan-2-one.

In nature, acetoin is a biosynthetic intermediate in bacterial fermentation, particularly in the butanediol pathway. Pyruvate is converted to acetolactate, which can then be decarboxylated to acetoin and potentially reduced further to 2,3-butanediol. Acetoin is often formed together with diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) and can be oxidized to diacetyl under some conditions.

Applications of RS-3-hydroxybutan-2-one include use as a flavor and fragrance ingredient, contributing malty or buttery notes in certain foods and beverages. It is also employed as a chemical intermediate in organic synthesis and can serve as a reference compound in studies of stereochemistry and fermentation pathways.

Safety considerations are typical of small organic solvents and flavor compounds: acetoin has low acute toxicity but can be irritating to the eyes or skin with sufficient exposure. It should be handled with standard laboratory or industrial hygiene practices, including appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment.