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Levulinic acid

IUPAC: 4-oxopentanoic acid

C5H8O3 Acids CAS 123-76-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC5H8O3
CAS Number123-76-2
Molecular Weight116.11
Melting Point33 °C
Boiling Point245.5 °C
Density1.136-1.147 (20°)
Solubilitysoluble in water, alcohol, and oil
AppearancePellets or Large Crystals, Liquid
Also Known As4-oxopentanoic acid; 4-Oxopentanoic acid; 123-76-2; Laevulinic acid; Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-; 4-Oxovaleric acid; Levulic acid; 4-Ketovaleric acid; gamma-Ketovaleric acid; LEVA
CategoryAcids

What is Levulinic acid?

4-oxopentanoic acid is an oxopentanoic acid with the oxo group in the 4-position. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an oxopentanoic acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-oxopentanoate.

Formula & Notation

C5H8O3

IUPAC Name: 4-oxopentanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 4-oxopentanoic acid; 4-Oxopentanoic acid; 123-76-2; Laevulinic acid; Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-; 4-Oxovaleric acid; Levulic acid; 4-Ketovaleric acid; gamma-Ketovaleric acid; LEVA

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Pellets or Large Crystals, Liquid. Molecular formula: C5H8O3. Molecular weight: 116.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 245.5 °C. Melting point: 33 °C. Density: 1.136-1.147 (20°). Solubility: soluble in water, alcohol, and oil. LogP: -0.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point33 °C
Boiling Point245.5 °C
Density1.136-1.147 (20°)
Molecular Weight116.11
Solubilitysoluble in water, alcohol, and oil
AppearancePellets or Large Crystals, Liquid

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Levulinic acid
Formula C5H8O3
CAS Number 123-76-2
Molecular Weight 116.11
Category Acids
Synonyms 4-oxopentanoic acid; 4-Oxopentanoic acid; 123-76-2; Laevulinic acid; Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-; 4-Oxovaleric acid; Levulic acid; 4-Ketovaleric acid; gamma-Ketovaleric acid; LEVA

Frequently Asked Questions

4-oxopentanoic acid is an oxopentanoic acid with the oxo group in the 4-position. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an oxopentanoic acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-oxopentanoate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.