| Formula / Notation | C3H6O3 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 50-21-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 |
| Melting Point | 16.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 122 °C at 1.50E+01 mm Hg |
| Density | 1.2 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 1000000 mg/L |
| Appearance | 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. |
| Also Known As | 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; DL-Lactic acid; 50-21-5; 2-hydroxypropionic acid; Milk acid; Tonsillosan; Racemic lactic acid; Ordinary lactic acid; Acidum lacticum; Ethylidenelactic acid |
| Category | Acids |
What is Lactic acid?
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.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; DL-Lactic acid; 50-21-5; 2-hydroxypropionic acid; Milk acid; Tonsillosan; Racemic lactic acid; Ordinary lactic acid; Acidum lacticum; Ethylidenelactic acid
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 16.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 122 °C at 1.50E+01 mm Hg |
| Density | 1.2 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 |
| Solubility | 1000000 mg/L |
| Appearance | 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. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Lactic acid is: C3H6O3