levulinic acid

[lev-yuh-lin-ik, lev-]

noun Chemistry.

a white or colorless, water-soluble solid, C5H8O3, produced by the hydrolysis of cane sugar, starch, or cellulose; used chiefly in the organic synthesis of nylon, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Origin of levulinic acid

levul(ose) + -in² + -ic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018