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Catalog Number | CI-SC-0542 |
Product Name | Lactic acid |
CAS | 50-21-5 |
Structure | |
Synonyms | α-Hydroxypropanoic acid lactic acid 2-hydroxypropanoic acid DL-Lactic acid 50-21-5 2-hydroxypropionic acid |
Description | A concentrated solution of lactic acid is typically a mixture of lactic acid lactate and lactic acid. The concentration of this solution is approximately 90% (w/w). Lactic acid appears as a colorless to yellow odorless syrupy liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make cultured dairy products, as a food preservative, and to make chemicals. 2-hydroxypropanoic acid is a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is propanoic acid in which one of the alpha-hydrogens is replaced by a hydroxy group. It has a role as a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is functionally related to a propionic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a lactate. A normal intermediate in the fermentation (oxidation, metabolism) of sugar. The concentrated form is used internally to prevent gastrointestinal fermentation. Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, and has a mild saline taste. It is produced by fermentation of a sugar source, such as corn or beets, and then, by neutralizing the resulting lactic acid to create a compound having the formula NaC3H5O3. Lactic acid was one of active ingredients in Phexxi, a non-hormonal contraceptive agent. |
IUPAC Name | 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid |
Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
Molecular Formula | C3H6O3 |
Canonical SMILES | CC(C(=O)O)O |
InChI | InChI=1S/C3H6O3/c1-2(4)3(5)6/h2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6) |
InChI Key | JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
Boiling Point | 122 °C /15mmHg (lit.) |
Melting Point | 18 °C |
Flash Point | >230 °F |
Purity | 98% |
Density | 1.209 g/mL |
Solubility | Water-soluble |
Appearance | Clear, water-white viscous liquid, characteristic odor |
Application | Lactic acid appears as a colorless to yellow odorless syrupy liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make cultured dairy products, as a food preservative, and to make chemicals.Used as a solvent and acidulant in the production of foods, drugs, and dyes; Also used as a mordant in woolen goods printing, a soldering flux, a dehairing agent, and a catalyst for phenolic resins; Also used in leather tanning, oil well acidizing, and as a plant growth regulator. Applied in Petroleum Production and Refining, Soldering, Farming (Pesticides) ,Leather Tanning and Processing, Fur Dressing and Dyeing, Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) The fastest growing use for lactic acid is its use as a monomer for the production of polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA). Applications for PLA include containers for the food and beverage industries, films and rigid containers for packaging, and serviceware (cups, plates, utensils). The PLA polymer can also be spun into fibers and used in apparel, fiberfill (pillows, comforters), carpet, and nonwoven applications such as wipes. In dyeing baths, as mordant in printing woolen goods, solvent for water-insoluble dyes (alcohol-soluble induline, nigrosine, spirit-blue). Reducing chromates in mordanting wool. Manufacturing cheese, confectionery. Component of babies' milk formulas; acidulant in beverages; for acidulating worts in brewing. In preparation of sodium lactate injections. Ingredient of cosmetics. Component of spermatocidal jellies. For removing Clostridium butyricum in manufacturing of yeast; dehairing, plumping, and decalcifying hides. Solvent for cellulose formate. Flux for soft solder. Manufacturing lactates which are used in food products, in medicine, and as solvents. Plasticizer, catalyst in the casting of phenolaldehyde resins. |
Storage | Store light-protected at a cool and dry place |
Composition | Lactic acid, water |
Features And Benefits | Very useful to rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old surface skin cellsCan reduce the appearance of fine lines, irregular pigmentation, age spots & decreases enlarged poresGood choice for first-time peel users or for those with sensitive skinOften used in creams & lotions at a lower concentration for a more gentle acid-based peel. |
GMO | GMONo data available |
HS Code | 1518004000 |
INCI | Lactic acid |
Manufacture | Lactic acid is produced by bacterial fermentation (various Lactobacilli) of carbohydrates (sugar, starch). Pure sucrose, glucose from starch, raw sugar beet juice are frequently applied. |
pH | 2 |
Preservation | Preservative-free |
Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
Raw Material Source | Corn starch and various sugars |
Refractive Index | n20/D 1.4262(lit.) |
Topological Polar Surface Area | 57.5 Ų |
Uses | Typical use level is between 1-20%. |
What is the chemical formula of lactic acid?
The chemical formula of lactic acid is C3H6O3.
What is the molecular weight of lactic acid?
The molecular weight of lactic acid is 90.08 g/mol.
Where is lactic acid most widely found?
Lactic acid is the most widely occurring organic acid in nature.
How is lactic acid primarily used in the food industry?
Lactic acid is primarily used as a pH-adjusting agent in the beverage sector and as a preservative in the food industry.
How is lactic acid commercially produced?
Lactic acid can be produced via chemical synthesis or carbohydrate fermentation, with most lactic acid worldwide being produced by biotechnological processes.
What is the taste threshold value for lactic acid?
The taste characteristics of lactic acid at 20 ppm are described as acidic, sour, creamy, dairy-like with a fruity mango nuance.
How is lactic acid used in the cosmetic industry?
Lactic acid is used as an exfoliant, moisturizer, and to improve skin texture and feel in cosmetic formulations.
What is the odor of lactic acid?
Lactic acid is described as odorless.
What is the stability of lactic acid?
Lactic acid is stable but combustible and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
How is lactic acid prepared synthetically?
Lactic acid can be prepared synthetically by the reaction between acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide or by the hydrolysis of hexoses with sodium hydroxide.