3-Hydroxypropionic acid

3-Hydroxypropionic acid is a carboxylic acid, specifically a beta hydroxy acid. It is an acidic viscous liquid with a pKa of 4.9. It is very soluble in water, soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether. Upon distillation, it dehydrates to form acrylic acid, and is occasionally called hydracrylic acid.

3-Hydroxypropionic acid is used in the industrial production of various chemicals such as acrylates.