Beta-Hydroxybutyric acid

beta-Hydroxybutyric acid (beta-hydroxybutyrate or 3-hydroxybutyric acid) is a ketone body. It is a chiral compound having two enantiomers, D-3-hydroxybutyric acid and L-3-hydroxybutyric acid. Like the other ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone), levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate are raised in ketosis. In humans, beta-hydroxybutyrate is synthesized in the liver from acetyl-CoA, and can be used as an energy source by the brain when blood glucose is low. It can be used for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics.