Pyruvate is a key molecule in many cellular processes, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the production of acetyl-CoA. It is a three-carbon compound that is involved in the production of energy in the form of ATP. There are several synonyms for pyruvate, including pyruvic acid, 2-oxopropanoic acid, 2-oxopropionic acid, acetylformic acid, acetylformate, acetylactic acid, and propionic acid ketone. These synonyms are often used interchangeably in scientific literature and can help to clarify the role of pyruvate in different metabolic pathways. Understanding the different names for pyruvate can lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular metabolism.