Sodium 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate is an inhibitor of pyruvate transport and is used for production of pyrazinones. It is a condensation of this compound with α-amino ketones and subsequent cyclization provides pyrazinones.Condensation with α-amino ketones and subsequent cyclization provides pyrazinones. Sodium 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate is an inhibitor of pyruvate transport and is used for production of pyrazinones. It is a condensation of this compound with α-amino ketones and subsequent cyclization provides pyrazinones. Condensation with α-amino ketones and subsequent cyclization provides pyrazinones.