The molecule is a 3-oxo monocarboxylic acid, a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid and an aldehyde. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It derives from a propionic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 2-hydroxy-3-oxopropanoate.
2-hydroxy-3-oxopropanoic acid