Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on industry of fine chemicals research and develop, produce and sale. Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in Shan Dong Ji Nan China. we have the ability to provide you high quality products. More than 90 % of our products are exported to developed countries and regions such as north America, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East.
1. Basic Product Profile
- Full IUPAC Name: 4-oxopentanoic acid
- Aliases: 4-ketopentanoic acid, beta-acetylpropionic acid
- CAS Number: 123-76-2
- EINECS: 204-649-2
- Molecular Formula: C5H8O3
- Molecular Weight: 116.12
- Chemical Classification: Bio-based bifunctional organic acid, fine chemical intermediate
- Core Advantages
Dual functional groups of ketone and carboxyl, derived from renewable biomass raw materials. Capable of esterification, reduction, cyclization, condensation reactions. Eco-friendly low-toxicity building block, widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis, flavor & fragrance, resin modifier, pesticide intermediate and food additive industries.
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
2.1 Physical Index
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow transparent oily liquid
- Odor: Mild caramel-like characteristic odor
- Solubility: Fully miscible with water, ethanol, methanol, ether, acetone; soluble in aromatic solvents
- Melting Point: 33–35 °C
- Boiling Point: 245–246 °C
- Refractive Index nD20: 1.439–1.443
- Hygroscopy: Moderately hygroscopic
2.2 Chemical Properties
- Dual Reactive Functional Groups
- Carboxyl group: Esterification, salt formation, amidation reactions
- Ketone carbonyl group: Reduction, imine condensation, aldol condensation, cyclization
- Thermal Stability: Stable under normal temperature; slight decarboxylation occurs under long-term heating above 200°C
- Acid & Alkali Stability: Stable under neutral and weak acid conditions; undergoes aldol self-condensation under strong alkaline heating
- Photostability: Avoid long-term intense UV exposure to prevent yellowing
- Compatibility: Compatible with most polar organic solvents; incompatible with strong oxidants and concentrated strong alkalis
3. Main Application Fields
3.1 Pharmaceutical Synthetic Intermediate (Core Usage)
Key precursor for synthesizing levamisole, calcium levulinate, amino acid derivatives and anti-inflammatory small-molecule drugs; used to prepare metal levulinate pharmaceutical raw materials.
3.2 Food & Flavor Additive
Raw material for food flavoring agents; food-grade calcium levulinate as preservative and nutrition fortifier.
3.3 Resin & Coating Auxiliary
Crosslinking modifier for water-based resins, curing agent intermediate for coating systems, biodegradable plastic plasticizer.
3.4 Pesticide & Daily Chemical Raw Material
Building block for herbicide and fungicide synthesis; humectant and pH adjuster in personal care formulations.
4. Quality Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Index |
| CAS No. | 123-76-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 116.12 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid |
| GC Assay | Industrial Grade ≥98.0%; Pharma Grade ≥99.0% |
| Water Content (KF) | ≤0.20% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤100 |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm (Pharma/Food Grade) |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.10% |
| Bulk Package | 200L lined plastic drum |
| Sample Package | 1L / 5L sealed plastic bottle |
| Storage Requirements | Hermetic cool dry warehouse ≤25℃; isolate strong light, alkaline substances and oxidants |
| Transportation Rule | Corrosive weak organic acid; sealed acid-resistant packaging required during transit |
| Shelf Life | 12 months under intact sealed packaging |
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