描述
Dihydroxyacetone, also known as 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone or glycerone, is a member of the class of compounds known as monosaccharides. Monosaccharides are compounds containing one carbohydrate unit not glycosidically linked to another such unit, and no set of two or more glycosidically linked carbohydrate units. Monosaccharides have the general formula CnH2nOn. Dihydroxyacetone is soluble (in water) and a very weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Dihydroxyacetone can be found in a number of food items such as cauliflower, green bell pepper, black cabbage, and sweet basil, which makes dihydroxyacetone a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Dihydroxyacetone can be found primarily in urine, as well as in human muscle and stratum corneum tissues. Dihydroxyacetone exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Dihydroxyacetone is primarily used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin .