3-Hydroxy-2-butanone has a pleasant buttery
odor, and both of its optical isomers occur widely in nature. It is synthesized by
partial oxidation of 2,3-butanediol and is obtained as a by-product in the fermentation
of molasses. It is used for flavoring margarine.
Definition
ChEBI: Acetoin is a methyl ketone that is butan-2-one substituted by a hydroxy group at position 3. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a methyl ketone and a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone.
