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
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