Calcium 3-Hydroxybutyrate(CAS#51899-07-1)

1. Properties:

• Appearance and Physical Form: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate (calcium BHB) is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder with high purity (≥98.0%). It is an exogenous ketone salt consisting of the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) anion bound to a calcium cation.
• Solubility: The compound exhibits good solubility in water, making it suitable for incorporation into liquid and powdered nutritional formulations.
• Chemical Properties: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate (C₈H₁₄CaO₆) is the calcium salt of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, a ketone body that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Its molecular structure comprises two 3-hydroxybutyrate anions coordinated to a single calcium cation (2:1 salt). The compound is stable under recommended storage conditions and provides approximately 15.7% bioavailable calcium by weight. It has a characteristic BHB content of 80.0–86.0% on a dry basis.
  • Mechanism of Action: Upon cellular uptake, 3-hydroxybutyrate is oxidized to acetoacetate by mitochondrial enzymes, serving as an energy source without requiring ATP. As an exogenous ketone, it can induce and sustain ketosis, providing an alternative fuel source for the brain and peripheral tissues during periods of low carbohydrate intake.
  • Ketone Delivery: Calcium BHB offers slower absorption kinetics compared to sodium BHB, with peak D-βHB levels reached at approximately 2.5 hours, providing sustained ketone elevation suitable for all-day ketosis, fasting support, and overnight metabolic fuel.
  • Zero Sodium Profile: Unlike sodium BHB salts, calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate contains zero sodium, enabling low-sodium or sodium-free labeling claims for ketogenic and electrolyte formulations.
  • Dual-Action Nutritional Profile: The compound delivers exogenous ketones while simultaneously providing calcium for bone mineralization, supporting both metabolic and skeletal health.

2. Applications:

Nutritional & Dietary Supplements (Primary):

• Ketogenic Formulations: Calcium BHB is widely used as an ingredient in exogenous ketone supplements, ketogenic meal replacements, and sports nutrition products to support ketosis and fat metabolism.
• Low-Sodium Ketogenic Products: Its zero-sodium profile makes it ideal for sodium-restricted ketogenic diets and formulations where electrolyte balance is critical.
• Fasting Support: The sustained ketone elevation provided by calcium BHB supports intermittent fasting protocols and prolonged fasting periods.
• Bone Health Supplements: The compound's calcium content (~15.7%) contributes to bone mineralization, making it suitable for dual-action bone health and metabolic support products.

Metabolic Research & Clinical Studies:

• Energy Metabolism Studies: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate is used as a metabolic intermediate in research on cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
• Therapeutic Research: The compound is investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, and metabolic disorders.
• Ketogenic Diet Research: It serves as a tool for studying the metabolic effects of exogenous ketone supplementation.
• Electrolyte-Controlled Study Design: The calcium-based, zero-sodium cation profile supports controlled study designs in electrolyte and metabolic research.

Other Applications:

• Sports Nutrition: Used in pre-workout and recovery formulations to enhance endurance and metabolic efficiency.
• Weight Management: Supports fat metabolism and may aid in weight loss as part of a ketogenic lifestyle.
• Pharmaceutical Research: Serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds and as a research tool in drug development.

3. Preparation Method:

• Chemical Synthesis: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate can be synthesized through the reaction of 3-hydroxybutyric acid with calcium hydroxide. The acid is dissolved in water, and calcium hydroxide is added with stirring until the reaction is complete, yielding the calcium salt and water.
• Industrial Production (Biotechnological Route): Industrial production often employs biotechnological processes involving the fermentation of glucose or other carbohydrates by specific bacterial strains that produce 3-hydroxybutyric acid. The acid is then neutralized with calcium hydroxide to form the calcium salt.

4. Safety Information:

• Hazard Classification: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate is generally classified as a non-hazardous or low-hazard substance for handling and transport. It is not classified as a hazardous material for DOT/IATA transportation. As with all fine chemicals, standard laboratory safety practices should be followed.
• Health Hazards:
  • Inhalation: May cause mild respiratory tract irritation if dust is inhaled in large quantities.
  • Skin Contact: Generally non-irritating to intact skin. Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation.
  • Eye Contact: May cause mechanical irritation from dust particles.
  • Ingestion: Low acute toxicity. The compound is intended for research and nutritional applications. As with all supplements, use within recommended dosages.
• First Aid Measures:
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. If eye irritation persists, seek medical attention.
  • Skin Contact: Wash skin with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If skin irritation develops, seek medical advice.
  • Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if a large amount is ingested.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Respiratory protection: Use a dust mask (N95 or P2 respirator) if airborne dust concentrations are present.
  • Eye protection: Safety goggles or dust-resistant safety glasses.
  • Skin protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile) and protective clothing.
  • General hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
• Storage & Stability: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials. Protect from moisture. Under recommended storage conditions, calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate has a shelf life of 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture in sealed original containers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS#51899-07-1) is listed on EINECS, TSCA, and other regional chemical inventories. It is widely used as a nutritional supplement ingredient in various jurisdictions. This product is for research, development, and nutritional use only and is not intended for medicinal, household, or other uses without proper authorization. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and local regulations for complete safety, environmental, and regulatory information specific to each product grade and application jurisdiction.
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