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.

Synonyms2-Oxopropionic Acid
Acetylformic Acid
CAS no.127-17-3
EINECS no.204-824-3
Molecular formulaC3H4O3
Molecular weight88.06
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

TestUnitSpecification
AppearanceSlightly yellow to yellow liquid
Identification by IRShould pass the test
Specific gravity at 20°C1.267 – 1.275
Refractive index at 20°C1.425 – 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 colorimetryppmMax 400
Chloride by colorimetryppmMax 100
Heavy metals by colorimetryppmMax 10
Arsenic by colorimetryppmMax 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.

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