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Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors

Pyruvic acid

CAS: 127-17-3

Overview

Pyruvic acid (CAS 127-17-3 ), also known by its FEMA 2970 designation, is a short-chain alpha-keto acid used across pharmaceutical synthesis, food flavoring, and cosmetic formulation.

It functions as a reactive intermediate, acidulant, and surface-modifying agent depending on the application. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a key building block for synthesizing amino acids and vitamins.

This keto-acid scaffold is essential for active pharmaceutical ingredients where metabolic relevance is required. Food and beverage producers use it as a flavoring agent, contributing subtle acidic and fruity notes to products.

In cosmetics, it is applied as a chemical exfoliant in peeling formulations. Its reactivity with skin proteins enables controlled surface renewal at lower concentrations than traditional alpha-hydroxy acids.

It also functions as a catalyst precursor and reagent in specialty organic synthesis. This is particularly useful in condensation reactions targeting fine chemical intermediates for industrial use.

The material is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, typically at concentrations of 98% and above. This high purity is ideal for technical and synthesis-grade applications across various sectors.

Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material is available to meet purity requirements for regulated end uses. Packaging ranges from small laboratory quantities to bulk drums suited for industrial procurement.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point13.8 °C
Boiling Point165 °C
Density1.58 g/cm³
Flash Point183 °F
AppearanceColorless to light yellow liquid
ColorClear colorless to light yellow or amber
Odorat 1.00 % in propylene glycol. sharp sour acetic caramellic
FormLiquid
Water SolubilityH2O: miscible alcohol: miscible diethyl ether: miscible
Vapor Pressure1.72hPa at 25℃
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.428(lit.)
pH1.2 (90g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P-1.24

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 Hazard Statements H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29335995
UN Number3265
ADR Class8
Packing GroupII
Storage Class8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)3

Other Names

2-Oxopropionate | 2-Oxopropansäure | 2-Oxopropansaeure | 2-Oxopropanoic acid | 2-ketopropionic acid | pyruvate | α-Oxopropionsäure | α-ketopropionic acid

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
127-17-3
EC Number
204-824-3
Mol. Weight
88.06
HS Code
29335995

Industries

Documentation