S2hydroxybutanoic

S2hydroxybutanoic acid, also known as 2-hydroxybutyric acid or alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, is a chiral organic compound with the chemical formula C4H8O3. It is a hydroxy acid, meaning it contains both a hydroxyl (-OH) group and a carboxyl (-COOH) group. The "2" in its name indicates that the hydroxyl group is attached to the second carbon atom of the butyric acid chain. As a chiral molecule, it exists as two stereoisomers, (S)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid and (R)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid, as well as a racemic mixture.

This compound is found naturally in the body and plays a role in metabolism. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of certain amino acids and is also a product of the metabolism of threonine. Elevated levels of 2-hydroxybutanoic acid in blood or urine can be indicative of certain metabolic conditions or disorders, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or other disruptions in amino acid metabolism.

In industrial applications, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid can be synthesized through various chemical routes. Its properties as a hydroxy acid make it a potential building block in the synthesis of polymers and other complex organic molecules. Research has also explored its potential biological activities and its role in various biochemical pathways.