The molecule is the conjugate base of 2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid; major species at pH 7.3. It is a hydroxy monocarboxylic acid anion and a 4-oxo monocarboxylic acid anion. It is a conjugate base of a 2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid.
2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-oxobutanoate