levulinic acid

[ lev-yuh-lin-ik, lev- ]
/ ˈlɛv yəˈlɪn ɪk, ˌlɛv- /

noun Chemistry.

a white or colorless, water-soluble solid, C5H8O3, produced by the hydrolysis of cane sugar, starch, or cellulose; used chiefly in the organic synthesis of nylon, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Origin of levulinic acid