a-hydroxyisobutyric acid

2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid) is a metabolite of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). MTBE may be obtained through environmental exposure. MTBE is rapidly eliminated from the body, mainly through expired air as the unchanged compound. MTBE is to some extent metabolised to t-butyl alcohol (TBA) and formaldehyde and oxidised to 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol and a-hydroxy isobuturic acid. 2-Hydroxyisobutyric acid has been used as an arial bactericide.

(R)-3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid is a chiral organic compound and a metabolite derived from the amino acid L-valine and thymine catabolism. (R)-3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid is classified as a beta hydroxy acid and functions as a key intermediate in metabolic pathways involving L-valine and thymine. Elevated levels of (R)-3-Hydroxyisobutyric acid, also known as 3-HIBA, may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for severe inherited metabolic disorders, including 3-hydroxyisobutyric aciduria.