MOLECULE

3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid

3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, also known as 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate or α-keto-β-methyl-N-valeric acid, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as short-chain keto acids and derivatives. These are keto acids with an alkyl chain the contains less than 6 carbon atoms. 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as alcoholic beverages, asparagus, cocoa and cocoa products, green vegetables, and milk and milk products. This could make 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. An alpha-keto acid analogue and metabolite of isoleucine in man, animals and bacteria. 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is a potentially toxic compound. A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is valeric acid carrying oxo- and methyl substituents at C-2 and C-3, respectively. 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, with regard to humans, has been found to be associated with several diseases such as colorectal cancer, prosthesis/missing teeth, attachment loss, and missing teeth; 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid has also been linked to the inborn metabolic disorder maple syrup urine disease. Used as a clinical marker for maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.