Ethyl lactate

Chembox new
Name = Ethyl lactate
ImageFile = Ethyl lactate.png ImageName = Ethyl lactate
IUPACName = Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
OtherNames = Ethyl lactate
Lactic acid ethyl ester
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
Actylol
Acytol
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
SMILES = O=C(OCC)C(O)C
CASOther = [97-64-3]
[687-47-8] (L-form)
RTECS = OD5075000
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = C₅H₁₀O₃
MolarMass = 118.13 g/mol
Appearance = Clear to slightly yellow liquid
Density = 1.03 g/cm³, liquid
Solubility = Miscible
Solvent = ethanol,
and most alcohols
SolubleOther = Miscible
MeltingPt = −26 °C
BoilingPt = 151-155 °C
Section7 = Chembox Hazards
ExternalMSDS =
MainHazards = Irritant (Xi)
NFPA-H = 1
NFPA-F = 1
NFPA-R =
RPhrases = R10, R37, R41
SPhrases = S2, S24, S26, S39
FlashPt = 46 °C
Section8 = Chembox Related
OtherCpds = Lactic acid

Ethyl lactate, also known as lactic acid ethyl ester, is a monobasic ester formed from lactic acid and ethanol, commonly used as a solvent. This compound is considered biodegradable and can be used as a water-rinsable degreaser. Ethyl lactate is found naturally in small quantities in a wide variety of foods including wine, chicken, and various fruits. The odor of ethyl lactate is mild, buttery, creamy, with hints of fruit and coconut.

Due to its relatively low toxicity, ethyl lactate is used commonly in pharmaceutical preparations, food additives, and fragrances. Also used as solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose ethers.

Ethyl lactate hydrolyzes in the presence of water and acids or bases into lactic acid and ethanol.

References