<prompt> The immediate precursor in the formation of acetoacetate from acetyl-CoA in the liver is:MevalonateHMG-CoAAcetoacetyl-CoA3-hydroxyl-butyryl-CoA  <response>: Ans. B. HMG-CoARef: Harper 31e page 210Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase then causes acetyl-CoA to split off from the HMG-CoA, leaving free acetoacetate. 