What is "pantoic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) An alpha-hydroxy acid found in some biologically active compounds.

Pantoic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid which is a component of some biologically active compounds. The amide of pantoic acid with β-alanine is pantothenic acid (vitamin B) and the amide with GABA is the pharmaceutical drug hopantenic acid. It is also a central component of coenzyme A.