(R)-2,3-Dihydroxy-isovalerate

(R)-2,3-Dihydroxy-isovalerate, also known as α,β-dihydroxyisovalerate, is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids, particularly valine, leucine, and isoleucine. This organic compound plays a crucial role in several metabolic pathways, including the superpathway of leucine, valine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, as well as pantothenate and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. It is produced from 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid by the enzyme ketol-acid reductoisomerase (EC 1.1.1.86) and is subsequently converted to 2-oxoisovalerate by the enzyme dihydroxy-acid dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.9). == References ==