CAS No. 816-66-0

Batch: Purity:
4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid Chemical Structure
Chemical Structure
Check the 4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid product page for in-depth specifications, including solubility, stock solutions, MOA, and working concentrations.

Chemical Information

IUPAC Name 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid
CAS Number 816-66-0
Molecular Formula

C6H10O3
Molecular Weight (MW) 130.14
InChIKey BKAJNAXTPSGJCU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Ordering Information

Biological Activity

4-Methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (alpha-ketoisocaproic acid) is a branched-chain keto acid metabolite and an inhibitor of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDC). It acts as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and a metabolic inhibitor, interfering with mitochondrial energy production. Furthermore, 4-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid is released by astrocytes for reamination to leucine in neurons and functions to suppress protein degradation in skeletal muscle tissue.

How to Prepare Stock Solution?

Concentration Volume Mass
🧮 Molarity Calculator

Solubility

Batch:
All in vitro solubility values are batch-tested experimental data (non-literature values).
Solvent Solubility & Note
FAQ
Q: Why does a DMSO stock precipitate in media/saline?
A: It is caused by unheated aqueous media (supersaturation), local solvent shock, or incorrect mixing sequence.
How to fix it?
  • Preheat media/saline to 37°C.
  • Mix rapidly (pipette/vortex) upon addition.
  • For complex mixes, always add the aqueous phase last.
  • Re-dissolve minor precipitates with a 37°C water bath and sonication (≤30 min).

Jump to

Note: Technical data last updated: Sep 1, 2026.