glyoxalate

Glyoxalate is a chemical compound with the formula CHOCOO. It is the conjugate base of glyoxylic acid. In aqueous solution, it exists primarily as the hydrate, glyoxylic acid monohydrate, CH(OH)2COO. Glyoxalate is a key intermediate in various metabolic pathways, particularly in plants and microorganisms. It is involved in the glyoxylate cycle, a metabolic pathway that allows some organisms to convert fatty acids into carbohydrates. This cycle is crucial for the growth of bacteria and fungi on non-carbohydrate substrates and for the survival of plants during seed germination and periods of stress.

In biological systems, glyoxalate is generated from the oxidation of glyoxal or from the breakdown of certain amino acids like glycine and serine. It can then be further metabolized into other compounds such as oxalate, acetate, or succinate. Its role extends to amino acid biosynthesis and the production of various secondary metabolites. In industrial applications, glyoxylic acid, from which glyoxalate is derived, is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and agrochemicals. It is also employed as a cross-linking agent and a component in certain polymers. The reactivity of the aldehyde and carboxylate groups in glyoxalate makes it a versatile building block in organic synthesis.