Description | Hydroxyacetone, also known as acetol or acetone alcohol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alpha-hydroxy ketones. These are organic compounds containing a carboxylic acid, and an amine group attached to the alpha carbon atom, relative to the C=O group. Hydroxyacetone exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Hydroxyacetone is a sweet, caramel, and ethereal tasting compound. hydroxyacetone has been detected, but not quantified in several different foods, such as bog bilberries, cardoons, amaranths, black salsifies, and komatsuna. This could make hydroxyacetone a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Hydroxyacetone is an intermediate in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. |
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