What is the purpose of sodium pyruvate in media? Sodium pyruvate serves as an additional energy source for cells in culture. It is often added to low-glucose formulations (1.0 g/L glucose) and is sometimes added to higher-glucose formulations as well.
Chemical formula   C3H3NaO3
Melting point           220–230°C
Boiling point            >300 °C
Molecular Weight   110 g/mol
Technical Analysis
Specification        Typical Values
Molar mass   110 g/mol
Other names 2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid
CAS Number               113-24-6
Sodium pyruvate is a salt of pyruvic acid, and its formula is C3H3NaO3. It is a metabolite of glucose and is used by cells as a carbohydrate source. It is also involved in amino acid metabolism and initiates the Kreb's cycle.