Ethyl pyruvate is a colorless organic compound with a molecular formula of C5H8O3. Ethyl pyruvate is small molecule with both ketone and ester functionality. The molecule has no hydrogen donors, but three atoms that are hydrogen receptors. Three of the bonds are rotatable and there are no stereocenters. The molecule has two carbonyl carbons, which can act as electrophiles, as well as three α-hydrogens. Ethyl Pyruvate can also be synonymous with ethyl 2-oxopropanoate, Ethyl-2-oxopropanoat, Propanoic acid, 2-oxo-, ethyl ester, Pyruvic acid, and ethyl ester.