Pyruvic acid
CAS 127-17-3
EC 204-824-3
Formula C3H4O3
MW 88.06 g/mol
Organic Acids Food & NutritionPersonal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & Healthcare CatalysisFlavoring & AcidulantSurface Modification & Wetting
Description
Pyruvic acid (CAS 127-17-3, EC 204-824-3) is a short-chain alpha-keto acid occurring naturally in fermentation and cellular metabolism. Also known as pyroracemic acid and listed under FEMA 2970, it carries no E-code designation but is recognised as a flavouring substance in multiple regulatory frameworks.
In food and flavour applications, pyruvic acid contributes sharp, acidic top notes and acts as a precursor to aroma compounds formed during thermal processing. In personal care formulations, it functions as a keratolytic agent, promoting controlled exfoliation by weakening corneocyte adhesion. It also serves as a reactive intermediate and catalyst in pharmaceutical synthesis routes.
Pyruvic acid is available in food-grade and technical-grade liquid form, with quality benchmarks aligned to FCC and REACH registration requirements. European buyers should confirm supplier REACH compliance and request a Certificate of Analysis specifying assay purity. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers.
In food and flavour applications, pyruvic acid contributes sharp, acidic top notes and acts as a precursor to aroma compounds formed during thermal processing. In personal care formulations, it functions as a keratolytic agent, promoting controlled exfoliation by weakening corneocyte adhesion. It also serves as a reactive intermediate and catalyst in pharmaceutical synthesis routes.
Pyruvic acid is available in food-grade and technical-grade liquid form, with quality benchmarks aligned to FCC and REACH registration requirements. European buyers should confirm supplier REACH compliance and request a Certificate of Analysis specifying assay purity. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers.
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 (Learn More)
Danger GHS05
H
H314H318
P
P260P264P280P316P317P321P363P405P501P264+P265P304+P340P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
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
2-oxopropanoic acidpyruvateCH3COCOOHBTSMeSH ID: D019289
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Raw Materials
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