(R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic Acid TCI H1341

(R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic Acid, also known as (R)-β-hydroxybutyric acid, is a short-chain carboxylic acid carrying a hydroxyl group at the beta position and a single, defined R configuration. The compound occupies an interesting position because it sits at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and the life sciences: on one hand it is a classical chiral building block, and on the other it is a compound widely recognised in studies of energy metabolism. In the laboratory, this material is used as a chiral starting material, as an analytical reference substance, and as a reference monomer in research on biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate-based polymers.

The properties that make it a preferred choice are its small molecular size combined with a high density of stereochemical information, together with two functional groups that can be manipulated separately. The carboxylate group is readily converted into esters or amides, while the beta hydroxyl group can be protected, oxidised, or used as a connection point in lactone-forming and polyester-forming reactions. Its good solubility in water and polar solvents makes the preparation of stock solutions straightforward for both analytical and biological work. Because the structure is simple, the compound is also easy to track through routine characterisation.

In Indonesian laboratories, this material typically appears in university and institutional research settings where asymmetric synthesis, analytical method development, and biodegradable polymer studies are carried out. It is handled as a small-scale research chemical rather than a bulk process input, ordered in quantities matched to a single project or a defined series of experiments. Its dual relevance to synthetic routes and to metabolic studies means the same container often serves more than one research group within a shared facility.

• Asymmetric synthesis starting material: the fixed R configuration is carried through subsequent transformations, allowing researchers to build larger chiral targets without introducing a separate resolution or asymmetric induction step.
• Analytical reference substance: the simple, well-defined structure makes it suitable as a comparison standard when identifying or confirming related hydroxy acids during method development and routine characterisation work.
• Biodegradable polymer research: it serves as a reference monomer in polyhydroxyalkanoate studies, where the beta hydroxyl and carboxylate groups together enable polyester chain formation and related model reactions.
• Selective functional group chemistry: the carboxylate can be esterified or amidated while the beta hydroxyl is separately protected or oxidised, supporting teaching and research on orthogonal protecting group strategies.
• Energy metabolism studies: as a compound widely recognised in metabolic research, it is used in biological experiments where good aqueous solubility allows convenient preparation of stock solutions.

• Product code: H1341

Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials, following the conditions specified on the manufacturer's label and safety data sheet. Keep the material in its original container or in a chemically compatible, clearly labelled vessel, and close it promptly after each use to limit moisture uptake, since the compound dissolves readily in water and polar solvents. Handle it in a fume hood using standard laboratory personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and a laboratory coat. Prepare stock solutions using clean glassware and label them with the compound name, concentration, solvent, and preparation date. Consult the safety data sheet before first use and dispose of residues and contaminated materials through the recognised chemical waste channel for the facility.

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