Hydroxybutyric acid
Chemical compound
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 | edit source]
Hydroxybutyric acid has several isomers, including:
- gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
- beta-Hydroxybutyric acid (BHB)
- alpha-Hydroxybutyric acid (AHB)
Biological Role[edit | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
Hydroxybutyric acid and its derivatives have several applications:
- GHB is used in medicine for anesthesia and the treatment of narcolepsy.
- BHB is used as a marker for ketosis in metabolic studies.
- AHB is used in biochemical research.
Safety and Legal Status[edit | edit source]
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 | edit source]
- gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
- beta-Hydroxybutyric acid
- alpha-Hydroxybutyric acid
- Neurotransmitter
- Carboxylic acid
- Psychoactive drug
- General anesthetic
- Narcolepsy
- Alcoholism
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault
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