Beta_hydroxy_acid

Beta hydroxycarboxylic acid

Beta hydroxycarboxylic acid

Class of chemical compounds

Not to be confused with butylated hydroxyanisole.

A beta hydroxy carboxylic acid or β-hydroxy carboxylic acid (BHA) is a carboxylic acid containing a hydroxy functional group separated by two carbon atoms. They are related to alpha hydroxy acids, in which the two functional groups are separated by only one carbon atom.[1]

3-Hydroxypropionic acid, a simple beta hydroxy acid

Reactions

Upon dehydration, beta-hydroxy acids yield an alpha-beta unsaturated acid.

Compared to their non-hydroxylated counterpart, beta hydroxy carboxylic acids are stronger, although weaker than the alpha hydroxy acids. Due to the larger distance, the intramolecular hydrogen bridge is less easily formed compared to the alpha hydroxy acids. The table summarizes some values on the propionic series.

More information Name, pKa ...

Other beta hydroxy acids include:

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Miltenberger, Karlheinz (2000). "Hydroxycarboxylic Acids, Aliphatic". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a13_507. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  2. [2]
    Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, CRC press, 58th edition page D150-151 (1977)
  3. [3]
    Dawson, R. M. C. et al., Data for Biochemical Research, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1959.
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