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2-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (α-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid)

CAS 594-61-6 · Formula C4H8O3 · MW 104.10 g/mol

A compact branched α-hydroxy acid used as a synthetic building block and intermediate. It is used as a chemical intermediate and a building block in organic synthesis.

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HS Code
2918.19
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
pH Adjustment
Functional Roles
METHYL LACTIC ACID
FRAGRANCE
Applications & Use Cases
  • Chemical intermediate: Feedstock for esters and specialty derivatives.
  • Synthetic building block: α-Hydroxy acid scaffold in organic synthesis.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
82.5 °C
Boiling Point
212.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2918 . 19
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.18
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2918.19
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
594-61-6
Molecular Formula
C4H8O3
Molecular Weight
104.10 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid
INCI Name
METHYL LACTIC ACID
PubChem CID
InChI Key
BWLBGMIXKSTLSX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
2-HYDROXYISOBUTYRIC ACID 2-Methyllactic acid 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid Acetonic acid alpha-Hydroxyisobutyric acid Hydroxydimethylacetic acid Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl- Lactic acid, 2-methyl- alpha-Hydroxyisobutanoic acid 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanoic acid alpha-Hydroxy-alpha-methylpropanoic acid
Full Description

2-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (CAS 594-61-6) is a saturated α-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid). It is used as a chemical intermediate and a building block in organic synthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid?

2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (CAS 594-61-6, C4H8O3) is a saturated alpha-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid, also named 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid. In industry it is supplied as a chemical intermediate and synthetic building block. RawSource distributes it in bulk to manufacturers and formulators.

What is 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid used for?

It is used as a chemical intermediate and a synthetic building block in organic synthesis, where its alpha-hydroxy acid scaffold serves as feedstock for esters and specialty derivatives. A common derivative is methyl 2-hydroxyisobutyrate. Application suitability should be confirmed against your own specifications.

What is the structure of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid?

It is the same compound as 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid: a propanoic acid backbone bearing a methyl and a hydroxyl group on the alpha (C2) carbon, formula C4H8O3. The CAS number is 594-61-6.

What CAS number and HS code apply to 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid?

The CAS number is 594-61-6. For import/export it classifies under HS 2918.19 (carboxylic acids with additional alcohol function, other). Confirm the destination-country tariff line with your broker.

How is bulk 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid packaged and quoted?

RawSource supplies it in industrial bulk packaging (drums, totes, and IBCs) to manufacturers. Pricing is volume-dependent, so request a bulk quote with your target quantity and grade requirements; a CoA and SDS are provided with shipment.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.