Acetoacetic acid

Structure of acetoacetic acid

Acetoacetic acid is a beta-keto acid with the chemical formula C₄H₆O₃. It is an important intermediate in the ketone bodies metabolism and is involved in various biochemical pathways.

Structure and Properties

3D ball model of acetoacetic acid

Acetoacetic acid is a keto acid that contains both a ketone group and a carboxylic acid group. It exists in equilibrium with its enol form, which is a characteristic feature of beta-keto acids. The compound is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is soluble in water.

Keto-Enol Tautomerism

Keto-enol tautomerism of acetoacetic acid

Acetoacetic acid exhibits keto-enol tautomerism, where the keto form (3-oxobutyric acid) and the enol form are in dynamic equilibrium. This tautomerism is important in its reactivity and stability.

Biological Role

Acetoacetic acid is one of the three ketone bodies produced in the liver during the breakdown of fatty acids. It serves as an important energy source during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or low-carbohydrate diets. The other ketone bodies are beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone.

Synthesis

Acetoacetic acid can be synthesized through the Claisen condensation of ethyl acetate with acetone. It is also produced in the body from the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver.

Reactions

Acetoacetic acid is a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis. It can undergo decarboxylation to form acetone and carbon dioxide. It can also participate in various condensation reactions, such as the Diketene reaction.

Diketene reaction involving acetoacetic acid

Uses

Acetoacetic acid and its esters are used in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and flavoring agents. Its derivatives are also used in the production of vitamins and hormones.

Safety

Acetoacetic acid is a corrosive substance and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Related pages

Gallery

Illustration of acetoacetic acid

Acetoacetic_acid

Acetoacetic acid structure
3D model of acetoacetic acid
Keto-enol tautomerism of acetoacetic acid
Acetoacetic acid
Reaction involving diketene and acetoacetic acid

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

- Weight loss injections in NYC (generic and brand names):
- Zepbound / Mounjaro, Wegovy / Ozempic, Saxenda
Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC

Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.