Hydroxybutyric acid

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2-hydroxybutyric acid
beta-Hydroxybutyric acid-2D-skeletal
4-Hydroxybutansäure - 4-Hydroxybutanoic acid
2-HydroxyisobutyricAcid
3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid

Chemical compound

Hydroxybutyric acid
Hydroxybutyric acid.svg
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Hydroxybutyric acid (HBA) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H8O3. It is a hydroxy acid and is classified as a carboxylic acid. The compound exists in several isomeric forms, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), which is a naturally occurring substance found in the human central nervous system, as well as in wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and almost all animals in small amounts.

Isomers[edit]

Hydroxybutyric acid has several isomers, including:

Biological Role[edit]

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a neurotransmitter and a psychoactive drug. It is used medically as a general anesthetic and to treat conditions such as narcolepsy and alcoholism. GHB is also known for its use as a recreational drug and has been associated with cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Synthesis[edit]

Hydroxybutyric acid can be synthesized through various chemical processes. One common method involves the reduction of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride.

Metabolism[edit]

In the human body, hydroxybutyric acid is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water through the citric acid cycle. It is also a precursor to the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Applications[edit]

Hydroxybutyric acid and its derivatives have several applications:

Safety and Legal Status[edit]

The legal status of hydroxybutyric acid varies by country. In many places, GHB is classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and its association with drug-facilitated crimes.

See also[edit]

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