Product Description of Levulinic Acid (CAS#123-76-2)
Levulinic Acid is an important organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C₅H₈O₃. It is a versatile intermediate featuring both ketone and carboxylic acid functional groups, which contribute to its broad chemical reactivity.
The compound is highly soluble in water and many polar organic solvents, while remaining insoluble in certain non-polar solvents, including gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, and carbon tetrachloride.
Levulinic Acid demonstrates good stability during standard distillation processes. When exposed to prolonged heating, it may undergo dehydration reactions to generate unsaturated γ-lactone compounds, making it valuable in the synthesis of various downstream chemicals.
Due to its excellent solubility, chemical versatility, and functional reactivity, Levulinic Acid is widely used as an important intermediate in chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, solvents, and bio-based material applications.
Levulinic acid Chemical Propertie
| Melting point | 30-33 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 245-246 °C (lit.) |
| Density | 1.134 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 102 °C) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.439(lit.) |
| FEMA | 2627 | LEVULINIC ACID |
| Fp | 280 °F |
| Storage temp | Store below +30°C. |
| Solubility | 675g/l |
| Form | Liquid After Melting |
| Pka | pKa 4.65(H2O,t = 25,c=0.03-0.001) (Uncertain) |
| Color | Clear yellow |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. sweet caramel acidic acetoin buttery |
| Odor Type | caramellic |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water ( 675g/L at 20°C). |
| Sensitive | Light Sensitive |
| Merck | 145472 |
| JECFA Number | 606 |
| BRN | 506796 |
| InChIKey | JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | -0.498 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 123-76-2(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-(123-76-2) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Levulinic acid (123-76-2) |
Safety Information
| Hazard Codes | Xn,C |
| Risk Statements | 22-36/37/38-34-R34-R22 |
| Safety Statements | 26-45-36/37/39-S45-S36/37/39-S26 |
| RIDADR | 3261 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| RTECS | OI1575000 |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HazardClass | 8 |
| PackingGroup | III |
| HS Code | 29183000 |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: 1850 mg/kg LD50 dermal Rabbit > 5000 mg/kg |
Product Application of Levulinic Acid (CAS#123-76-2)
Levulinic Acid is a multifunctional organic chemical intermediate containing both carboxylic acid and ketone functional groups, which enables it to participate in various chemical reactions, including esterification, halogenation, hydrogenation, oxidation, and condensation reactions. Through these processes, a wide range of valuable derivatives can be produced for industrial applications.
Its derivatives are extensively used in the manufacture of resins, pharmaceutical intermediates, fragrances, solvents, coatings, printing inks, rubber and plastic additives, lubricant additives, and surfactants. These applications highlight the versatility of Levulinic Acid in fine chemical synthesis and specialty material production.
In the pharmaceutical and health-related fields, Levulinic Acid derivatives are used in the preparation of certain pharmaceutical ingredients and nutritional formulations. Its calcium salt derivatives can be applied in specific medical formulations and may support nutritional functions related to bone development and normal nerve and muscle activity.
Levulinic Acid also serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds such as indomethacin, plant growth regulators, pesticides, and dyes. In addition, bisphenolic derivatives derived from Levulinic Acid can be used in the production of water-soluble resins, including materials applied in the paper industry such as filter paper manufacturing.
With its excellent chemical versatility and broad derivative potential, Levulinic Acid plays an important role in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, coatings, polymers, fine chemicals, and advanced material applications.
