Definition: alpha-keto acids, or 2-oxo acids, such as pyruvic acid have the keto group adjacent to the carboxylic acid.
See also
- beta-keto acids, or 3-oxo acids, such as acetoacetic acid have the ketone group at the second carbon from the carboxylic acid.
- gamma-keto acids, or 4-oxo acids, such as levulinic acid have the ketone group at the third carbon from the carboxylic acid.