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| Beta-Hydroxybutyric acid | |
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| IUPAC name | 3-Hydroxybutyric acid |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [300-85-6] |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C4H8O3 |
| Molar mass | 104.105 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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beta-Hydroxybutyric acid (beta-hydroxybutyrate or 3-hydroxybutyric acid) is a ketone body. It is a chiral compound having two enantiomers, D-3-hydroxybutyric acid and L-3-hydroxybutyric acid. Like the other ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone), levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate are raised in ketosis. In humans, beta-hydroxybutyrate is synthesized in the liver from acetyl-CoA, and can be used as an energy source by the brain when blood glucose is low. It can be used for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics.
It is also used on diabetic patients as a blood test to look for the presence of ketones which may be associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.
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