Acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme, also known as butyryl-CoA) is an organic compound in which a carboxyl group is attached to coenzyme A. This intermediate in metabolism is formed by the decarboxylation of α-keto acids. The reaction is catalyzed by dehydrogenases and partly involves the transfer of hydrogen from pyruvate to the acetyl moiety. The acetate formed in this reaction is called acetoacetate. Acetyl coenzyme A or acetyl coenzyme A (CoA)