Pyruvic acid, also known as pyroracemic acid or 2-oxopropanoate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha-keto acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing an aldehyde substituted with a keto group on the adjacent carbon. Pyruvic acid is a drug which is used for nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance. Pyruvic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. Pyruvic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, Pyruvic acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as ohelo berries, cottonseeds, chinese cinnamons, common sages, and vanilla. This could make pyruvic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is the 2-keto derivative of propionic acid. Pyruvic acid is a potentially toxic compound.
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha-keto acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing an aldehyde substituted with a keto group on the adjacent carbon.
