Pyruvic acid is the conjugate acid of pyruvate. It is a key intermediate in many biological processes.

It is produced at the end of the glycolysis process and serves as the connecting link between various biochemical processes such as gluconeogenesis, fermentation, cellular respiration, fatty acid synthesis, etc.

Pyruvic acid is a three-carbon organic compound with the molecular formula C₃H₄O₃. It is an important intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and plays a role in the citric acid cycle.

Pyruvic acid is the simplest $\alpha$-keto acid with both carboxylic acid and ketone functional groups. Upon donating a proton, pyruvic acid forms its conjugate base pyruvate, which is an intermediate in many metabolic pathways.

Pyruvic acid has a similar smell to acetic acid. It is also colourless and is soluble in water.

Pyruvic Acid Formula: CH3COOH

Pyruvate Formula

C₃H₄O₃

Pyruvate formula is: CH3COO-

Biochemical Reactions Involving Pyruvate

Pyruvate is an important molecule that plays a role in multiple metabolic pathways within living organisms.

It is an important topic from the NEET perspective. See below for important metabolic reactions involving pyruvate:

| Types of Reactions | Biochemical Process | Reactions Involving Pyruvate | Enzymes Involved |

| Pyruvate Synthesis | Glycolysis | Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, in which glucose is converted to pyruvate in a series of reactions. |