Levulinic acid, a carboxylic acid containing ketone structure, is a clear to brownish semi-solid melting at 37 C; soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform. Levulinic acid can be used as an acidulant in foods and beverages. It is used as an intermediate to manufacture synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals, pesticides. plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers. It is used in the manufacture perfumery, food additive, fuel additive, herbicide, solder flux, stabilizer and printing ink. Levulinic acid and its esters are used as platicizers and solvents in polymer, textiles and coatings.