MOLECULE

2-Ketobutyric acid

2-Ketobutyric acid, also known as alpha-ketobutyrate or 2-oxobutyrate, 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. 2-Ketobutyric acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. 2-Ketobutyric acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, 2-ketobutyric acid participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, 2-ketobutyric acid can be biosynthesized from L-threonine; which is mediated by the enzyme L-serine dehydratase/l-threonine deaminase. In addition, 2-ketobutyric acid and coenzyme A can be converted into propionyl-CoA; which is mediated by the enzyme branched-chain alpha-keto dehydrogenase complex. In humans, 2-ketobutyric acid is involved in threonine and 2-oxobutanoate degradation. Outside of the human body, 2-Ketobutyric acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as black crowberries, lima beans, lettuces, oxheart cabbages, and grass pea. This could make 2-ketobutyric acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. A 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that is the 2-oxo derivative of butanoic acid. 2-Ketobutyric acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.