PYRUVIC ACID

Pyruvic Acid is a naturally occurring alpha-keto acid that plays a central role in cellular metabolism and is widely used as a chemical intermediate, pH-adjusting acid, and functional active in cosmetic and laboratory applications.
Pyruvic Acid is commonly used in skincare formulations and professional peel systems due to keratolytic activity, and Pyruvic Acid is also used in synthesis routes where a reactive carbonyl-acid structure is needed.
Pyruvic Acid is valued for high reactivity, effective exfoliation performance in controlled cosmetic use, and versatility as an intermediate, but Pyruvic Acid requires careful handling due to corrosivity and strong irritation potential at higher concentrations.

CAS Number: 127-17-3
EC Number: 204-024-4
Molecular Formula: C3H4O3
Molecular Weight: 88.06 g/mol

Synonyms: Pyruvic Acid, 2-Oxopropanoic Acid, 2-Ketopropionic Acid, Pyroracemic Acid, Acetylformic Acid, Pyruvate Acid (common informal), Alpha-Ketopropionic Acid, Pyruvic Acid Solution, Pyruvic Acid Reagent, Pyruvic Acid Peeling Agent, 2-Oxo Propionic Acid, Pyruvic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Pyruvic Acid, 2-Oxopropanoic Acid, 2-Oxopropionic Acid, 2-Ketopropanoic Acid, 2-Ketopropionic Acid, Alpha-Ketopropionic Acid, α-Ketopropionic Acid, Alpha-Oxopropionic Acid, α-Oxopropionic Acid, 2-Oxo-propionic Acid, 2-Keto-propionic Acid, Propan-2-one-1-carboxylic Acid, 2-Oxopropionic Acid (Pyruvate Acid), Pyruvic Acid (Anhydrous), Pyruvic Acid Solution, Pyruvic Acid Aqueous Solution, Pyruvic Acid 99%, Pyruvic Acid 98%, Pyruvic Acid 90%, Pyruvic Acid 80%, Pyruvic Acid Reagent, Pyruvic Acid Analytical Grade, Pyruvic Acid Laboratory Grade, Pyruvic Acid Technical Grade, Pyruvic Acid Food Grade, Pyruvic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Pyruvic Acid USP, Pyruvic Acid EP, Pyruvic Acid BP, Pyruvic Acid FCC, Pyruvic Acid ACS, Pyruvic Acid for Synthesis, Pyruvic Acid for Biochemistry, Pyruvic Acid for Cell Culture, Pyruvic Acid Standard, Pyruvic Acid Reference Standard, Pyruvic Acid (CAS 127-17-3), Pyruvate (Acid Form), Pyruvate Acid, Pyruvic Acid (2-Keto Acid), Pyruvic Acid (Alpha Keto Acid), Pyruvic Acid (AHA-type Acid), Pyruvic Acid Peel Grade, Pyruvic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Pyruvic Acid Dermatological Grade, Pyruvic Acid Fermentation Grade, Pyruvic Acid Industrial, Pyruvic Acid Concentrate, Pyruvic Acid Stabilized, Pyruvic Acid Stabilized Solution, Pyruvic Acid (C3H4O3), C3H4O3, Acidum Pyruvicum, Acidum Pyruvicum (Latin), Pyruvinsäure, Brenztraubensäure, Acide Pyruvique

APPLICATIONS

Pyruvic Acid is used in professional chemical peel formulations to promote exfoliation and improve skin texture in controlled use.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into dermatology-grade peel systems to target uneven tone and surface roughness.
Pyruvic Acid is used in cosmetic treatment protocols where keratolytic performance supports renewal of the stratum corneum.

Pyruvic Acid is used in acne-focused peel systems to help reduce comedones and support clearer-looking skin in professional settings.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into oily-skin peels where deep exfoliation and sebum-related benefits are targeted.
Pyruvic Acid is used in combination peel systems with other acids to tune peeling strength and recovery profile.

Pyruvic Acid is used in cosmetic formulations as a pH-adjusting acid in compatible systems.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into water-based products where mild acidification supports preservative efficacy and stability.
Pyruvic Acid is used in buffering concepts where controlled acidity improves performance of pH-sensitive ingredients.

Pyruvic Acid is used in laboratory biochemistry as a substrate and reference compound in metabolic studies.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into enzyme assays involving pyruvate-dependent reactions and redox cycling.
Pyruvic Acid is used in cell culture and biochemical research where metabolic pathway behavior is evaluated.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical synthesis as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into synthesis routes to build heterocycles, amino acid derivatives, and specialty intermediates.
Pyruvic Acid is used where its alpha-keto acid functionality enables condensation and addition reactions.

Pyruvic Acid is used in production of pyruvate salts such as sodium pyruvate for research and formulation use.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into neutralization processes to prepare stable pyruvate forms for downstream applications.
Pyruvic Acid is used in fermentation-related chemistry where pyruvate pathways and derivatives are studied.

Pyruvic Acid is used in analytical chemistry as a reference standard for method development and calibration.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into chromatography workflows where keto acids are measured and quantified.
Pyruvic Acid is used in quality control labs to verify purity and concentration of pyruvate-related products.

Pyruvic Acid is used in specialty cleaning and descaling concepts where acid functionality supports removal of mineral residues in controlled applications.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into formulations where organic acids are preferred for biodegradability and functional performance.
Pyruvic Acid is used in process cleaning trials where compatibility with substrates and materials is verified.

Pyruvic Acid is used in personal care R&D to evaluate exfoliation performance versus other alpha hydroxy acids and keto acids.
Pyruvic Acid is incorporated into stability studies to assess odor, color changes, and degradation in aqueous solutions.
Pyruvic Acid is valued in product development because Pyruvic Acid provides strong functional acidity and reactive carbonyl chemistry.

Pyruvic Acid is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis for producing pyruvate salts and derivatives.
Pyruvic Acid supports preparation of sodium pyruvate and other pyruvates used in laboratories.
Pyruvic Acid enables downstream reactions where an alpha-keto acid functionality is required.

Pyruvic Acid is used in biochemical research to study central carbon metabolism.
Pyruvic Acid serves as a key substrate in pathways related to glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
Pyruvic Acid supports experiments on mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.

Pyruvic Acid is used in cell culture as a metabolic supplement in certain media formulations.
Pyruvic Acid helps provide an additional carbon source under specific growth conditions.
Pyruvic Acid supports cell viability when oxidative metabolism needs support.

Pyruvic Acid is used in mammalian cell culture to reduce oxidative stress in some systems.
Pyruvic Acid can act as a scavenger for reactive oxygen species under controlled conditions.
Pyruvic Acid supports improved robustness of sensitive cell lines in research workflows.

Pyruvic Acid is used in enzymology assays as a substrate for lactate dehydrogenase studies.
Pyruvic Acid supports measurement of LDH activity by enabling NADH consumption tracking.
Pyruvic Acid helps quantify enzyme kinetics and inhibitor effects.

Pyruvic Acid is used in clinical and diagnostic research related to metabolic biomarkers.
Pyruvic Acid supports method development for measuring pyruvate and lactate balance.
Pyruvic Acid helps validate assays that monitor metabolic states.

Pyruvic Acid is used in analytical chemistry for calibration and standard preparation.
Pyruvic Acid supports preparation of reference solutions for chromatography and spectroscopy.
Pyruvic Acid helps verify instrument response for alpha-keto acids.

Pyruvic Acid is used in fermentation research to monitor metabolic flux in microorganisms.
Pyruvic Acid is measured as a central intermediate in many fermentation pathways.
Pyruvic Acid supports optimization of yields and pathway engineering studies.

Pyruvic Acid is used in food science research to study browning and flavor formation chemistry.
Pyruvic Acid participates in reaction networks that influence aroma development.
Pyruvic Acid supports model systems investigating Maillard-related transformations.

Pyruvic Acid is used in cosmetic formulations for chemical peeling and exfoliation in controlled professional products.
Pyruvic Acid helps promote skin renewal by loosening corneocyte cohesion.
Pyruvic Acid supports improvement of texture and appearance when formulated and applied correctly.

Pyruvic Acid is used in dermatology-related research as an alpha-keto acid exfoliant.
Pyruvic Acid supports studies comparing different organic acids for resurfacing effects.
Pyruvic Acid helps evaluate parameters such as pH, concentration, and contact time.

Pyruvic Acid is used in acne-focused skin care concepts to support pore-clearing regimens.
Pyruvic Acid helps reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to congestion.
Pyruvic Acid supports smoother appearance and improved skin feel in rinse-off formats.

Pyruvic Acid is used in anti-aging skin care concepts to promote a brighter look.
Pyruvic Acid supports mild resurfacing that can improve the appearance of uneven tone.
Pyruvic Acid helps refine visible texture with appropriate formulation design.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical peel training and protocol development in professional aesthetics.
Pyruvic Acid supports standardized peel solutions for controlled application.
Pyruvic Acid helps develop step-by-step procedures for safe, repeatable outcomes.

Pyruvic Acid is used in pharmaceutical research as a precursor for pyruvate-based formulations.
Pyruvic Acid supports synthesis of esters and salts investigated for therapeutic applications.
Pyruvic Acid helps develop excipient and active-derivative candidates in early-stage work.

Pyruvic Acid is used in buffer and reagent preparation in biochemistry laboratories.
Pyruvic Acid supports pH adjustment and controlled acidic environments in certain assays.
Pyruvic Acid helps maintain reproducible conditions for enzyme and stability studies.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical manufacturing to produce pyruvate esters for specialty applications.
Pyruvic Acid supports esterification routes that yield solvent-like derivatives.
Pyruvic Acid helps provide functional intermediates for downstream product families.

Pyruvic Acid is used in polymer and materials research to functionalize molecules with keto acid groups.
Pyruvic Acid supports synthesis of monomers or modifiers that influence polarity and reactivity.
Pyruvic Acid helps explore crosslinking and derivatization chemistry in experimental materials.

Pyruvic Acid is used in laboratory studies of oxidative decarboxylation reactions.
Pyruvic Acid supports experiments on catalyst systems that mimic biochemical transformations.
Pyruvic Acid helps model reaction mechanisms relevant to metabolism and catalysis.

Pyruvic Acid is used in educational laboratories to demonstrate properties of alpha-keto acids.
Pyruvic Acid supports teaching experiments on acidity, reactivity, and decarboxylation behavior.
Pyruvic Acid helps illustrate connections between organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Pyruvic Acid is used in quality control of pyruvate salts and related products.
Pyruvic Acid supports assay verification for purity and concentration testing.
Pyruvic Acid helps validate manufacturing consistency of pyruvate-grade materials.

Pyruvic Acid is used in food supplement research investigating energy metabolism support.
Pyruvic Acid supports formulation and stability testing of pyruvate-containing supplements.
Pyruvic Acid helps evaluate sensory and compatibility aspects in finished forms.

Pyruvic Acid is used in sports nutrition research as a precursor to pyruvate supplementation studies.
Pyruvic Acid supports investigation of metabolic effects in controlled trials.
Pyruvic Acid helps develop standardized pyruvate dosing and measurement methods.

Pyruvic Acid is used in metabolic engineering to redirect carbon flux toward desired products.
Pyruvic Acid is a key node targeted for increasing yields of amino acids and organic acids.
Pyruvic Acid supports pathway optimization by serving as a measurable intermediate.

Pyruvic Acid is used in microbiology to study anaerobic and aerobic metabolism differences.
Pyruvic Acid supports experiments comparing fermentation to respiration outcomes.
Pyruvic Acid helps probe redox balancing through lactate formation pathways.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical peel product development for controlled pH and stability screening.
Pyruvic Acid supports selection of buffers and solvents compatible with strong organic acids.
Pyruvic Acid helps evaluate packaging compatibility and storage behavior.

Pyruvic Acid is used in skin care stability testing as an acid challenge ingredient.
Pyruvic Acid helps assess preservative performance under low pH conditions.
Pyruvic Acid supports evaluation of viscosity drift and emulsifier tolerance.

Pyruvic Acid is used in laboratory derivatization methods for carbonyl compound analysis.
Pyruvic Acid supports preparation of carbonyl standards for method development.
Pyruvic Acid helps establish retention times and response factors in chromatography.

Pyruvic Acid is used in environmental research investigating organic acid occurrence in waters and soils.
Pyruvic Acid supports studies on biodegradation and carbon cycling.
Pyruvic Acid helps model transformation pathways of small organic acids.

Pyruvic Acid is used in fermentation control strategies where pyruvate accumulation is monitored.
Pyruvic Acid measurements help optimize oxygen transfer and nutrient feed profiles.
Pyruvic Acid supports improved productivity by indicating metabolic bottlenecks.

Pyruvic Acid is used in research on diabetic metabolism and insulin sensitivity as part of metabolic profiling.
Pyruvic Acid supports biomarker panels assessing glycolytic flux.
Pyruvic Acid helps interpret shifts between pyruvate and lactate under different conditions.

Pyruvic Acid is used in cosmetic professional treatments to combine exfoliation with oil-control concepts.
Pyruvic Acid supports protocols designed to reduce roughness and visible pore appearance.
Pyruvic Acid helps create clear, fast-acting peel solutions when properly formulated.

Pyruvic Acid is used in pharmaceutical stability studies as a reactive carbonyl-containing challenge compound.
Pyruvic Acid supports evaluation of amine-containing drug compatibility with carbonyl species.
Pyruvic Acid helps assess potential adduct formation and degradation pathways.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical synthesis research to produce heterocycles via carbonyl chemistry.
Pyruvic Acid supports condensation reactions that build diverse ring systems.
Pyruvic Acid helps create intermediates for medicinal chemistry exploration.

Pyruvic Acid is used in laboratory-scale preparation of isotopically labeled pyruvate standards.
Pyruvic Acid supports mass spectrometry quantification workflows.
Pyruvic Acid helps improve accuracy in metabolomics by enabling internal standardization.

Pyruvic Acid is used in metabolomics sample preparation as an analyte for targeted quantification.
Pyruvic Acid supports development of extraction and quenching protocols.
Pyruvic Acid helps validate data processing pipelines for central metabolites.

Pyruvic Acid is used in research on aging and mitochondrial health through metabolic substrate testing.
Pyruvic Acid supports experiments evaluating respiration and ATP production responses.
Pyruvic Acid helps probe metabolic resilience under stress conditions.

Pyruvic Acid is used in chemical manufacturing research to optimize safe handling and storage of reactive organic acids.
Pyruvic Acid supports process design for corrosion control and materials compatibility.
Pyruvic Acid helps determine appropriate inhibitors and packaging selections.

DESCRIPTION

Pyruvic Acid is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp acidic odor, and Pyruvic Acid is often supplied as a concentrated solution.
Pyruvic Acid is an alpha-keto acid that can undergo oxidation, reduction, and condensation reactions, which contributes to Pyruvic Acid versatility in synthesis.
Pyruvic Acid can slowly degrade or polymerize under certain conditions, so Pyruvic Acid quality is influenced by storage temperature, light exposure, and contamination.

Pyruvic Acid is miscible with water and is also soluble in many polar organic solvents, enabling flexible formulation and laboratory handling.
Pyruvic Acid is strongly irritating to skin and eyes at higher concentrations and can be corrosive depending on concentration and exposure time.
Pyruvic Acid is typically used in professional cosmetic applications with controlled protocols because Pyruvic Acid peeling strength can be significant.

Pyruvic Acid solutions can darken over time due to side reactions, and oxygen exclusion and cool storage can improve stability.
Pyruvic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers, protected from heat and light, and handled with appropriate PPE.
Pyruvic Acid should be used with controlled neutralization and disposal practices because Pyruvic Acid is an acidic, reactive chemical.

Pyruvic Acid is an alpha-keto acid naturally occurring as a key intermediate in metabolism.
Pyruvic Acid is typically supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid in concentrated form.
Pyruvic Acid has a sharp, acidic odor and a strongly sour taste.

Pyruvic Acid is miscible with water and many polar organic solvents.
Pyruvic Acid is chemically reactive due to the presence of both a carboxylic acid and a ketone group.
Pyruvic Acid can undergo hydration, decarboxylation, and condensation reactions depending on conditions.

Pyruvic Acid is a relatively strong organic acid compared with some simple carboxylic acids.
Pyruvic Acid solutions are acidic and require careful pH control in formulations.
Pyruvic Acid can contribute to corrosion risk on sensitive metals if not properly managed.

Pyruvic Acid can slowly decompose or transform, especially under heat, light, or contamination.
Pyruvic Acid stability depends on concentration, storage temperature, and exposure to air.
Pyruvic Acid may darken over time due to side reactions and polymerization-like pathways.

Pyruvic Acid readily forms salts known as pyruvates when neutralized with bases.
Pyruvic Acid pyruvate salts are commonly used as stable, convenient forms for laboratory and cell culture use.
Pyruvic Acid is often handled as sodium pyruvate when direct acid handling is not desired.

Pyruvic Acid is used in professional skin applications because it can provide effective exfoliation.
Pyruvic Acid can cause stinging, irritation, and sensitivity if concentration and contact time are not controlled.
Pyruvic Acid requires appropriate formulation design and safe-use protocols.

Pyruvic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers away from heat and direct light.
Pyruvic Acid should be handled with appropriate PPE to avoid skin and eye contact.
Pyruvic Acid is valued for combining biological relevance with versatile carbonyl and acid chemistry.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C3H4O3
Molecular Weight: 88.06 g/mol
Common Name: Pyruvic Acid
Chemical Type: Alpha-keto acid (2-oxocarboxylic acid)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid (may darken with time)
Odor: Sharp acidic odor
Solubility: Miscible with water; soluble in polar organic solvents
Boiling Point: ~165°C (decomposes; typical)
Melting Point: ~11–14°C (typical)
Density: ~1.25 g/cm³ (typical; concentration dependent)
pKa: ~2.5 (typical)
Reactivity: Reactive carbonyl and carboxylic acid; prone to side reactions under heat/light
Stability: Sensitive to heat, light, and contamination; may darken or form byproducts during storage
Storage Temperature: 2–8°C preferred for concentrated solutions; otherwise 15–25°C tightly closed (supplier dependent)
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, choking, or respiratory irritation persists.
Keep the person at rest and monitor breathing.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash with soap and water after thorough rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation, burning, or redness persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes and continue rinsing.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because eye exposure can be serious.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention, especially if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Assess for corrosive injury depending on concentration and exposure.
Provide appropriate pain control and monitoring for delayed effects.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, and protective clothing.
Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists and avoid skin contact, especially with concentrated solutions.
Use careful dilution practices by adding Pyruvic Acid to water slowly with mixing to control heat release.

Ventilation:
Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, especially when handling concentrates.
Provide local exhaust where vapors or mists may be generated.
Avoid confined space handling without adequate ventilation.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry area protected from heat and light.
Protect from contamination and moisture ingress to reduce degradation and discoloration.
Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong bases, and incompatible reactive chemicals.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and prevent entry into drains where not permitted.
Absorb with inert material and neutralize carefully with suitable alkali if trained and permitted.
Collect waste for disposal according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Use controlled dosing and protocol compliance in cosmetic and professional peel applications due to strong irritation potential.
Use secondary containment and good housekeeping to prevent corrosion damage and slip hazards.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and keep containers tightly closed to maintain quality and minimize degradation.