3-Methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid
Alpha-ketoisovaleric acid is a branched chain organic acid which is a precursor to leucine and valine synthesis. It is also a degradation product from valine. The enzyme dihydroxy-acid dehydratase catalyzes the fourth step in the biosynthesis of isoleucine and valine, through the dehydration of 2, 3-dihydroxy-isovaleic acid into alpha-ketoisovaleric acid.