Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is an important biological compound and is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle. Alpha-ketoglutaric acid occurs naturally within cells. One of its functions is to combine with ammonia to form glutamic acid and then glutamine. Another function is to combine with nitrogen released in the cell, therefore preventing nitrogen overload. .
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as gamma-keto acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing an aldehyde substituted with a keto group on the C4 carbon atom.
