levulinic acid

noun

lev·​u·​lin·​ic acid ˌlev-yə-ˌlin-ik- 

variants or British laevulinic acid

ˌlēv- 

: a crystalline keto acid C₅H₈O₃ obtained by action of dilute acids on hexoses (as levulose) and on substances (as starch or sucrose) that yield hexoses on hydrolysis