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 Point | 13.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 165 °C |
| Density | 1.58 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 183 °F |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to light yellow or amber |
| Odor | at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. sharp sour acetic caramellic |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | H2O: miscible alcohol: miscible diethyl ether: miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.72hPa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.428(lit.) |
| pH | 1.2 (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 Code | 29335995 |
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 127-17-3
- EC Number
- 204-824-3
- Mol. Weight
- 88.06
- HS Code
- 29335995
- Category
- Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors