Product Description
Pharmaceutical
Raw Materials and Intermediates
AI Product Description
*The following content is generated by AI and is for reference only.
(S)-2-Hydroxyvaleric acid, also known as (S)-2-hydroxypentanoic acid, is a chiral organic compound belonging to the family of alpha-hydroxy acids. Its molecular formula is C5H10O3, and it carries the CAS Registry Number 6849-78-3. This molecule features a hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon atom of a five-carbon valeric acid chain, with a specific stereochemical configuration at the chiral center that distinguishes its biological activity from its racemic or (R)-enantiomeric counterparts.
The primary significance of (S)-2-hydroxyvaleric acid lies in its role as a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research. Due to its specific chirality, it serves as a critical building block for the asymmetric synthesis of complex bioactive molecules, including certain antibiotics, antifungal agents, and potential therapeutic compounds targeting metabolic disorders. The enantiomeric purity of this substance is often crucial in drug development, as different stereoisomers can exhibit vastly different pharmacological profiles and metabolic pathways within the human body.
Beyond pharmaceutical applications, this compound finds utility in the fragrance and flavor industry, although its use here is more specialized compared to simpler hydroxy acids. It acts as a precursor for the production of esters that impart fruity or creamy notes to various formulations. In academic and industrial laboratories, it is frequently employed as a standard reference material for studying metabolic processes, particularly in relation to branched-chain amino acid metabolism and ketoacidosis conditions where such hydroxy acids may accumulate. Furthermore, researchers utilize it to investigate enzyme specificity and kinetic mechanisms involving hydroxy acid dehydrogenases.
Handling (S)-2-hydroxyvaleric acid requires adherence to standard safety protocols for organic acids, including protection against skin irritation and proper storage in cool, dry environments away from incompatible bases. As the demand for chiral building blocks grows in the green chemistry sector, high-purity (S)-2-hydroxyvaleric acid remains an essential reagent for advancing sustainable synthesis routes and developing next-generation medicinal agents with improved efficacy and safety profiles.