An alpha hydroxy carboxylic acid, it is produced in the human body from pyruvic acid, and ends up in the liver where it is converted to glucose.  
It is prepared by the hydrolysis of ethanal cyanohydrin, or through the oxidation of propan-1,2-diol with dilute nitric acid.  An alpha hydroxy carboxylic acid, it is produced in the human body from pyruvic acid, and ends up in the liver where it is converted to glucose.  FTP, identify this chemical compound, technically known as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, which causes cramping pains when it builds up in muscle tissue during exercise, and whose name reflects the fact that it is manufactured by fermenting a milk sugar.
It is prepared by the hydrolysis of ethanal cyanohydrin, or through the oxidation of propan-1,2-diol with dilute nitric acid.  
lactic acid (accept 2-hydroxypropanoic acid before it is mentioned)