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Levulinic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H8O3
CAS number
123-76-2
IUPAC name
2-oxopent-4-enoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, levulinic acid is generally a solid, although it can also be found as a liquid at slightly elevated temperatures above its melting point. It is usually handled in its solid state unless specific handling as a liquid is required.

Melting point (Celsius)
37.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
310.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
245.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
518.15
General information
Molecular weight
116.12g/mol
Molar mass
116.1150g/mol
Density
1.0804g/cm3
Appearence

Levulinic acid is a colorless to yellow crystalline solid. It can also appear as a liquid depending on the temperature. The compound is noted for its characteristic odor which is somewhat similar to that of strong acids. The crystals are usually prismatic or acicular in form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid (C5H8O3)

2-oxopent-4-enoic acid, also known as a keto acid, exhibits intriguing solubility properties that are essential to understand for various applications:

  • Polar Nature: The presence of both the carbonyl (C=O) and carboxylic acid (–COOH) functional groups suggests that this compound is polar, leading to a significant level of solubility in polar solvents.
  • Solubility in Water: 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid is generally soluble in water, although the exact degree of solubility can depend on temperature and pH levels.
  • Organic Solvents: It is likely to be more soluble in organic solvents, particularly those with similar polar characteristics.

To summarize, solubility for 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid can often be described as:

  1. Soluble in water and various polar solvents.
  2. Possibly soluble in less polar organic solvents.

This solubility behavior plays a critical role in its reactivity and usability in chemical synthesis and analysis, making it a compound of interest in organic chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-oxopent-4-enoic Acid

2-oxopent-4-enoic acid is an intriguing compound belonging to the class of organic acids, exhibiting both ketone and acid functional groups. Here are some fascinating insights about this compound:

  • Versatile Reagent: This compound serves as a valuable building block in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, making it an essential tool in organic chemistry.
  • Enzyme Interaction: 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid can interact with different enzymatic systems, influencing metabolic pathways and potentially guiding biochemical reactions.
  • Flavor and Fragrance: Compounds similar in structure to 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid may contribute to flavor profiles in food chemistry, although this specific compound is not widely recognized for culinary applications.
  • Research Potential: Ongoing studies are exploring the role of this compound in various biochemical contexts, including its potential impact on cellular metabolism and health-related applications.

In summary, 2-oxopent-4-enoic acid stands out as a fascinating compound worthy of study due to its unique properties and applications in chemical synthesis and biochemistry. As with many organic compounds, its full potential is realized especially in the hands of innovative scientists!

Synonyms
2-oxopent-4-enoic acid
2-keto-4-pentenoic acid
20406-62-6
4-Pentenoic acid, 2-oxo-
2-oxo-4-pentenoic acid
WW9JA557NY
2-Oxopentenoic acid
4-Pentenoic acid,2-oxo
VINYLPYRUVIC ACID
UNII-WW9JA557NY
2-OXOPENTA-4-ENOIC
SCHEMBL562764
CHEBI:37318
DTXSID20174358
NOXRYJAWRSNUJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
AKOS006376660
Q17071915