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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Levulinic acid

Also known as 4-Oxopentanoic acid, Laevulinic acid, Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-

CAS 123-76-2Formula C5H8O3Molar mass 116.12 g/molEC 204-649-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant 77 suppliers listed
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Levulinic acid chemical structure, C5H8O3, CAS 123-76-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
123-76-2
Formula
C5H8O3
Molar mass
116.12 g/mol
Physical form
Liquid
HS code
291830
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
Illustrative photo, closed blue jerry cans in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Levulinic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

4-oxopentanoic acid is an oxopentanoic acid with the oxo group in the 4-position. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an oxopentanoic acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-oxopentanoate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
4-oxopentanoic acid
CAS number
123-76-2 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
204-649-2
Molecular formula
C5H8O3
UNII
RYX5QG61EI
MDL number
MFCD00002796
INCI name
LEVULINIC ACID
InChIKey
JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C5H8O3/c1-4(6)2-3-5(7)8/h2-3H2,1H3,(H,7,8)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(=O)CCC(=O)O

Synonyms

  • 4-Oxopentanoic acid
  • Laevulinic acid
  • Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo-
  • 4-Oxovaleric acid
  • Levulic acid
  • 4-Ketovaleric acid
  • gamma-Ketovaleric acid
  • LEVA
  • Acetopropionic acid
  • Levulinsaeure
  • Laevulic acid
  • beta-Acetylpropionic acid
  • Acidum laevulinicum
  • 4-ketopentanoic acid
  • 4-Oxopentanoic acid, 4-ketovaleric acid
  • 3-Acetylpropionic acid
  • 4-oxo-pentanoic acid
  • USAF CZ-1
  • Valeric acid, 4-oxo-
  • Propionic acid, 3-acetyl-
  • 3-Ketobutane-1-carboxylic acid
  • laevulinate
  • levulate
  • 2-Acetopropionicacid
  • 4-ketovalerate
Show all 36 synonyms
  • 4-oxovalerate
  • Valeric acid, 4-oxo-(levulinic acid)
  • gamma-ketovalerate
  • 3-acetylpropionate
  • beta-acetylpropionate
  • 4-Oxopentansaeure
  • 3-Acetylpropionsaeure
  • 4-Oxopentanoic-13C3 Acid
  • Pentanoic acid, 4-oxo
  • Laevulinsaeure
  • levulenic acid

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Physical form
Liquidexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
116.12 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
116.0473 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.44calc.
Topological polar surface area
54.37 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
8calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.6calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (18)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Levulinic acid suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 77 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

77 suppliers in 15 countries

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Levulinic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Industrial uses: Laboratory chemicals, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Intermediate.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name LEVULINIC ACID(skin conditioning, perfuming)

Pharmacological actions

  • Enzyme Inhibitors

Roles

  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • metabolite
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Softener and conditioner

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming
  • Skin conditioning

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Levulinic acid is traded under.

HS 2918.30Indicative HS code

Carboxylic acids with aldehyde or ketone function but without other oxygen function…

World exports in 2024
$813M
−39.8% vs 2023, imports $1.23B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China43.3%
  2. India * partner reported10.4%
  3. United States6.8%
Top importers
  1. Singapore33.1%
  2. Germany7.2%
  3. Japan6.9%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Levulinic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Levulinic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Levulinic acid?

4-oxopentanoic acid is an oxopentanoic acid with the oxo group in the 4-position. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an oxopentanoic acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-oxopentanoate.

What is the CAS number of Levulinic acid?

The CAS registry number of Levulinic acid is 123-76-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Levulinic acid?

The molecular formula of Levulinic acid is C5H8O3 and its molar mass is 116.12 g/mol.

What is Levulinic acid used for?

Industrial uses: Laboratory chemicals, Intermediate. Consumer uses: Intermediate. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is Levulinic acid hazardous?

Levulinic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Levulinic acid?

Levulinic acid is usually classified under HS code 291830 (Carboxylic acids with aldehyde or ketone function but without other oxygen function…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Levulinic acid?

CompoundList lists 77 suppliers of Levulinic acid in China, United States, Germany, Canada and 11 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Levulinic acid in India?

1 supplier in India list Levulinic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Levulinic acid?

Suppliers quote Levulinic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Levulinic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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