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Keto Acids & Keto Esters

What are keto acids and keto esters?

Keto acids are just that, organic molecules with a carbonyl (``keto") and a carboxylic acid group:

**Figure 49.1:** Keto acids: 3-oxohexanoic acid.
$\includegraphics{img-o-keto_acids.eps}$

Keto esters are also just that, organic molecules with a carbonyl (``keto") and an ester:

**Figure 49.2:** Keto esters: propyl 3-oxohexanoate.
$\includegraphics{img-o-keto_esters.eps}$

Note: in both keto acids and keto esters, the `` $\beta$ " designation is made to identify the location of the carbonyl.

Alfa Diallo 2006-08-04