2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid

CAS 3639-21-2(C2H5)2C(OH)CO2HChemical Synthesis

2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid (CAS: 3639-21-2) is an organic compound with the linear formula (C2H5)2C(OH)CO2H and a molecular weight of 132.16 g/mol. This carboxylic acid functions as a valuable building block in organic synthesis. It has been utilised as an internal standard in gas chromatography for poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) quantification and as a ligand in studies investigating electron transfer reactions with organic sulfides.

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2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid ((C2H5)2C(OH)CO2H) — chemical structure, CAS 3639-21-2; Chemistry, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions

Building BlocksCarbonyl CompoundsCarboxylic AcidsChemical Synthesis

01 /Applications

Internal Standard in Chromatography

2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid has been employed as an internal standard for the precise quantification of medium-chain-length bacterial poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s using gas chromatography. This application ensures accuracy in analytical measurements.

Ligand in Electron Transfer Studies

The compound acts as a ligand in the study of electron transfer reactions. Specifically, it has been used in complexes with chromium(V) to investigate the influence of surfactants on the kinetics of electron transfer from organic sulfides.

Organic Synthesis Building Block

As a functionalised carboxylic acid, 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid serves as a versatile building block for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Its structure allows for various chemical transformations.

02 /Properties

Molecular weight	132.16
Linear formula	(C2H5)2C(OH)CO2H
Assay	99%
Application	2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid was used as internal standard during quantification of medium-chain-length bacterial poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) by gas chromatography1. It was used as ligand to study the effect of anionic and cationic surfactants on kinetics of electron transfer reaction from organic sulfides to [CrV(ehba)2]- (ehba=2-ethyl-2-hydroxy butyric acid)2.
Melting point	79-82 °C(lit.)

03 /Safety & handling

GHS hazard pictogram: Harmful / irritant (GHS07) — Harmful / irritant

Warning

Hazard statements

H315Causes skin irritation
H319Causes serious eye irritation
H335May cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary statements

P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
P305IF IN EYES

Protective equipment	dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves
Water hazard class (WGK, DE)	3
Hazard codes (EU)	Xi
Risk statements (R)	36/37/38
Safety statements (S)	26-37/39

Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.

04 /Identifiers & registry

CAS number

3639-21-2

MDL number

MFCD00004183

PubChem substance

24848357

05 /Quality & supply

Documentation

Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.

Supply & logistics

Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.

06 /Frequently asked questions

What is 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid used for?

2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid is used as an internal standard in chromatographic analyses, as a ligand in studies of electron transfer reactions, and as a building block in organic synthesis.

What is the CAS number and formula for 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid?

The CAS number is 3639-21-2 and the linear formula is (C2H5)2C(OH)CO2H.

What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?

Tech Serve Solutions supplies 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid with an assay of 99%. This product is intended for research and laboratory use and is not supplied as USP, BP, EP, or any other pharmacopoeia grade.

What are the safety precautions for handling 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid?

2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid is classified as a Warning. It can cause skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment, including eyeshields, gloves, and a dust mask (e.g., type N95). Ensure adequate ventilation.

How is 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid packaged and exported?

Tech Serve Solutions packages and exports 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid according to international shipping regulations for chemical products. Please contact us for specific packaging and export details.

How can I request a quote or sample for 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid?

To request a quote or sample of 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxybutyric acid, please use the contact form on our website or call our sales department directly. Our team will be pleased to assist you.