MOLECULE

1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene

1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene, also known as 1,2-dihydroxy-5-(methylsulfanyl)pent-1-en-3-one or acireductone, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha-branched alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones. These are alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones that carry a branch on the alpha carbon. They have the generic structure RC(=O)C(R')=C, R = organyl group and R'= any heteroatom. 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as nopals, chayotes, mustard spinachs, pigeon pea, and red bell peppers. This could make 1,2-dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. 1,2-Dihydroxy-3-keto-5-methylthiopentene is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.