Pyruvic Acid (redirected from Pyruate)

pyruvic acid [pī′rü·vik ′as·əd]

(biochemistry)

Important intermediate in protein and carbohydrate metabolism; liquid with acetic-acid aroma; melts at 11.8°C; miscible with alcohol, ether, and water; used in biochemical research.

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Pyruvic Acid 

(α-ketopropionic acid), CH₃COCOOH, a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Melting point, 13.6°C; boiling point, 165°C. Pyruvic acid is miscible with water, ethanol, and ether in all proportions. Chemically, it behaves like ketones and carboxylic acids.

Pyruvic acid occurs in the cells of all organisms as a fundamental intermediate link in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipides. It accumulates in the organism as a result of various metabolic disorders, for example, vitamin-B₁ deficiency. Pyruvic acid is a component in the manufacture of the pharmaceutical cinchophen. The term “pyruvate,” which in strict usage refers to the pyruvic-acid anion, CH₃COCOO^–, is frequently used as a synonym for “pyruvic acid” in biochemical literature.