INTRODUCTION
Pyruvic acid is a yellowish liquid with vinegar odor. Anatomically, it participates in biological synthesis and metabolic processes of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Its reactivity is attributed to the presence of two carbonyl groups adjacent to each other and thus the chemical is employed in many synthesis processes leading a variety of end-uses.
Manufacture
The acid is manufactured by ozonolysis of natural rubber (levulinic acid as by-product) or by DL-lactic acid oxidation or by distillation of tartaric acid over KHSO4.
| Synonyms | 2-Oxopropionic Acid Acetylformic Acid |
| CAS no. | 127-17-3 |
| EINECS no. | 204-824-3 |
| Molecular formula | C3H4O3 |
| Molecular weight | 88.06 |
| Structure |  |
Applications
Pyruvic acid has medicinal properties and is reported to improve cardiac function. Food Grade is suitable for consumption by vegetarians and lacto-vegetarians.
Further, it is also an aroma chemical for its sharp sour acetic caramellic odor.
Synthetically, it is employed to make pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, amino acids and intermediates. Some of the intermediates made from the acid find usage in sedatives and antioxidants.
Pharmaceuticals
2-oxopropionic acid is used in manufacture of:
| Levodopa, an antiparkinsonian drug |
| Thiabendazole, an anthelmintic agent |
Amino Acids
It is cited to have a role in synthesis of amino acids:
| Tryptophan |
| Phenylalanine |
Agrochemicals
Pyruvic acid serves a KRM in production of:
| Probenazole, a fungicide |
| Thiabendazole, also a fungicide |
| consumed as such in cultivation of some strains of soil bacteria. |
Intermediates
Alkyl esters and bromopyruvic acid are main intermediates made from pyruvic acid.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Test | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | Slightly yellow to yellow liquid |
| Identification by IR | – | Should pass the test |
| Specific gravity at 20°C | – | 1.267 – 1.275 |
| Refractive index at 20°C | – | 1.425 – 1.433 |
| Assay by titration | % | Min 98.0 |
| Assay by GC | % | Min 95.0 |
| Acetic acid by GC | % | Max 1.0 |
| Water (by KF) | % | Max 1.0 |
| Sulphate by colorimetry | ppm | Max 400 |
| Chloride by colorimetry | ppm | Max 100 |
| Heavy metals by colorimetry | ppm | Max 10 |
| Arsenic by colorimetry | ppm | Max 1.0 |
STORAGE
The recommended storage temperature for the product is 2° to 8°C. The product needs to be maintained under inert gas.
PACKING
200 kg UN-approved MS drum
ExSyn offers pyruvic acid on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please get in touch with us.
Colchicine is a naturally occurring alkaloid obtained primarily from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and related species. It has been used in medicine for centuries, especially for the treatment of gout and Familial Mediterranean Fever. In modern medicine, Colchicine is valued also in conditions like pericarditis, Behçet’s disease, and certain dermatological and cardiac disorders.
1-Butylimidazole is a versatile organic heterocyclic compound belonging to the imidazole family, where a butyl group (–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃) is attached to the nitrogen atom at the 1-position of the imidazole ring. Its applications span organic synthesis, materials science, and bioactive compound development due to its tunable physicochemical properties and structural versatility.
Atropine sulfate monohydrate is a chemical compound, specifically a salt of atropine and sulfuric acid, with one water molecule (monohydrate) attached. It is commonly used as a medication and in research due to its anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors.
4-Aminobenzoic acid, commonly abbreviated as PABA, is an aromatic amine and carboxylic acid compound. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with an amino group (–NH₂) in the para position to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH).
2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol (5-NAP) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆N₂O₃. It is a substituted phenol with both an amino group (-NH₂) and a nitro group (-NO₂) attached to a benzene ring, along with a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Pongamol is a naturally occurring flavonoid primarily extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Pongamia pinnata tree (also known as Karanja tree), native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a cream-colored compound that belongs to the flavonoid family and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pesticidal properties. It is one of the key bioactive constituents of Pongamia oil.
Biobased Ethyl Acetate is an environmentally friendly solvent made from renewable sources like bioethanol extracted from sugarcane, corn, and other forms of biomass. Unlike traditional ethyl acetate, which is typically derived from fossil fuels, this green alternative shares the same chemical structure (C₄H₈O₂) and functional performance—offering comparable versatility with a significantly lower environmental footprint.
Palmitoyl chloride is a long-chain fatty acid derivative. It is the acid chloride form of palmitic acid; a saturated fatty acid commonly found in palm oil and other natural fats. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp odour and is highly reactive, especially toward water, alcohols, and amines.
Fungal Lycopene is an acyclic carotene belonging to a large group of naturally-occurring pigments known as carotenoids. It contains at least 90% of all-trans-lycopene and minor quantities of 13-cis-lycopene and β- and γ-carotene. It is used as an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of β-carotene. Its role in the pharmaceutical and food industries stems from its demonstrated health benefits—such as anticancer and cardiovascular protection—alongside its widespread use as a natural food colorant.