R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid (R-BHB)

Defined R-Form BHB for Nutritional Ingredient Development and Research

For technical purchasers and R&D teams, chemical definition is paramount. R-BHB is a specific chemical entity and must not be used as a generic umbrella term. Free R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid, sodium BHB, calcium BHB, magnesium BHB, and ketone esters possess distinct chemical structures, properties, and mineral profiles. Each must be evaluated separately during raw material selection.

Product Specifications

Parameter / Item	Standard Specification	Testing / Reference Method
Chemical Name	R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid	IUPAC Nomenclature
Synonyms	(R)-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; D-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate; R-BHB	Industry Standards
CAS Number	625-72-9	Chemical Identifier
Molecular Formula	C4H8O3	Structural Formula
Molecular Weight	104.10 g/mol	Mass Calculation
Assay / Purity	>= 98.0% (or per customer requirement)	HPLC / Titration
Stereochemical Identity	Defined R-Enantiomer (Chiral Pure)	Chiral HPLC / Optical Activity
Appearance	White to off-white powder or liquid	Visual Inspection
Moisture / Water Content	<= 1.0%	Karl Fischer Titration
Heavy Metals	<= 10 ppm	ICP-MS / USP Guidelines
Residual Solvents	Complies with ICH / USP limits	GC-HS
Storage Conditions	Tightly sealed, cool, dry, protected from light	Per Product SDS Guidelines
Quality Documentation	Batch-specific COA, SDS, Specification Sheet	Provided per shipment

Why R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid Differs from Generic BHB

Material	Chemical Form	Primary Procurement Consideration
R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid	R-enantiomer free acid	Stereochemical purity (R-form), assay, and optical verification
Sodium BHB	Sodium salt	Mineral contribution (sodium content) and salt behavior
Calcium BHB	Calcium salt	Mineral contribution (calcium content) and formulation impact
Magnesium BHB	Magnesium salt	Mineral contribution (magnesium content) and salt behavior
Ketone Esters	Ester compound	Structurally distinct compound with different metabolic & formulation profiles

Sourcing & Qualification Checklist

Chemical Identity & CAS Number: Confirm matching CAS No. 625-72-9 and structural name.

Assay & Stereochemical Purity: Review purity percentage along with optical rotation or chiral assay data confirming the R-configuration.

Batch Quality Documentation: Request a batch-specific COA, SDS, and Product Specification Sheet before commercial approval.

Physical & Impurity Limits: Verify physical appearance, moisture content, and relevant impurity profiles against your target application.

Traceability & Packaging: Ensure clear lot identification, appropriate packaging materials, and verified shelf-life under designated storage conditions.

Commercial Terms & Samples: Validate sample availability, Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), lead times, and export compliance before bulk orders.

Target Applications

Ketone Body & Metabolic Research: Serves as a stereochemically defined input for studying cellular energy pathways, nutritional ketosis, and metabolic biology.

Nutritional Ingredient Development: Applied in novel sports nutrition and functional formulations requiring pure R-form BHB without added minerals.

Biochemical & Laboratory Protocols: Used as a reference material or analytical standard in protocols demanding explicit enantiomeric control.

FAQ

Q: What is R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid?

A: R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is the R-enantiomer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid. It is also referred to as (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid, D-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate or R-BHB.

Q: What is the CAS number of R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid?

A: The CAS number is 625-72-9. The molecular formula is C4H8O3 and the molecular weight is 104.10 g/mol.

Q: Is R-BHB the same as sodium BHB?

A: No. R-BHB and sodium BHB are different chemical forms. R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid refers to the R form of the acid, while sodium BHB is a sodium salt of beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Q: Is R-BHB the same as calcium BHB or magnesium BHB?

A: No. Calcium BHB and magnesium BHB are mineral salts and contain their respective mineral components. R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is a different chemical form.

Q: Is R-BHB the same as a ketone ester?

A: No. R-BHB and ketone esters have different chemical structures. They should be specified separately during formulation development and raw material purchasing.

Q: What documents should I request before purchasing R-BHB?

A: For commercial qualification, buyers should normally request the current product specification, batch-specific COA and SDS. Additional analytical or regulatory documents can be requested according to the intended application and target market.

Q: How should R-3-Hydroxybutyric Acid be stored?

A: Storage should follow the current product specification and SDS. Buyers should confirm the required temperature, packaging and shelf life for the actual product before shipment and long-term storage.

Q: What information should I provide when requesting an R-BHB quotation?

A: Provide the required purity or specification, intended application, sample or bulk quantity, packaging preference, destination market and required documentation. If R configuration or additional analytical testing is critical, include these requirements in the inquiry.

Hot Tags: r-3-hydroxybutyric acid (bhb), China r-3-hydroxybutyric acid (bhb) manufacturers, suppliers, factory, Calcium Ketoglutarate, L BAIBA USP, L-Ergothioneine, liposomal AKG, Metabolic anti aging Calcium Alpha Ketoglutarate, Salidroside food grade