Pyruvate is an anion of pyruvic acid that was first obtained by J. Berzelius in the 19th century. This substance is created in the respiration process during glycolysis where it is converted to acetyl coenzyme A, and subsequently enters the Kreb's cycle as a three-carbon compound. Pyruvic acid is important in organic synthesis and in the production of pyruvate salts and can be found in living organisms. The liquid has an odor that resembles that of acetic acid and it is miscible with water, alcohol, and ether. Pyruvate is used by the body in various ways that include reoxidation in muscles, conversion of the acid to alanine in the liver, and as a biological fuel source. This plant molecule may be obtained through certain fruits and vegetables, as well as dark beer and red wine all of which are rich in pyruvate. Pyruvate is used in biochemical research and has been found to increase muscular endurance in the arms and legs by up to 20% and is effective in weight loss.
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Obtained courtesy of the Cambridge Structural Database
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