Hydroxybutyric acid

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

Hydroxybutyric acid has several isomers, including:

• gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
• beta-Hydroxybutyric acid (BHB)
• alpha-Hydroxybutyric acid (AHB)

Biological Role

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

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

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

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

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

• 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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