(R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid - 13 C 4 sodiumis a 13 C labeled (R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid. (R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid is a metabolite converted from acetoacetic acid catalyzed by 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. (R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid can function as a nutrition source, and as a precursor for vitamins , antibiotics and pheromones.