Levulinic acid, or 4-oxopentanoic acid, is an organic compound with the formula CH₃C(O)CH₂CH₂CO₂H. It is also named as β-Acetylpropionic acid; γ-Ketovaleric acid; Laevulinic acid; Levulic acid; 3-Acetylpropionic acid; 4-Ketovaleric acid; 4-Oxopentanoic acid; 4-Oxovaleric acid; Acetopropionic acid; LEVA. It is classified as a keto acid. This white crystalline is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It is derived from degradation of cellulose and is a potential precursor to biofuels. Levulinic acid is a precursor to nylon-like polymers, synthetic rubbers, and plastics. And it is a versatile synthetic intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Besides, it is a precursor in the industrial production of other chemical commodities such as methyltetrahydrofuran, valerolactone, and ethyl levulinate.

Physical properties about Levulinic acid are: (1)ACD/LogP: -0.49; (2)ACD/LogD (pH 5.5): -1.29; (3)ACD/LogD (pH 7.4): -3.08; (4)ACD/BCF (pH 5.5): 1.00; (5)ACD/BCF (pH 7.4): 1.00; (6)ACD/KOC (pH 5.5): 2.06; (7)ACD/KOC (pH 7.4): 1.00; (8)#H bond acceptors: 3; (9)#H bond donors: 1; (10)#Freely Rotating Bonds: 3; (11)Index of Refraction: 1.435; (12)Molar Refractivity: 26.807 cm³; (13)Molar Volume: 102.815 cm³; (14)Polarizability: 10.627 10-24cm³; (15)Surface Tension: 39.6129989624023 dyne/cm; (16)Density: 1.129 g/cm³; (17)Flash Point: 114.964 °C; (18)Enthalpy of Vaporization: 52.85 kJ/mol; (19)Boiling Point: 242.892 °C at 760 mmHg; (20)Vapour Pressure: 0.0109999999403954 mmHg at 25°C

Preparation of Levulinic acid: Levulinic acid is prepared in the laboratory by heating sucrose with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The process proceeds via the intermediacy of glucose, which is isomerized to fructose and then hydroxymethylfurfural. Other sugar-derivatives, such as levulose, inulin, starch, and other acids, e.g. sulfuric acids can also be used.

When you are using this chemical, please be cautious about it as the following:
1. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice;
2. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible);
3. Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves;

You can still convert the following datas into molecular structure:
(1)InChI=1S/C5H8O3/c1-4(6)2-3-5(7)8/h2-3H2,1H3,(H,7,8);
(2)InChIKey=JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N;
(3)SmilesC(CCC(O)=O)(C)=O;

The toxicity data is as follows: