Lactose
IUPAC: (2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol
| Formula / Notation | C12H22O11 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 63-42-3 |
| Molecular Weight | 342.30 |
| Melting Point | 433 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.525 |
| Solubility | 50 to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Lactose is a white hard crystalline powder. (NTP, 1992) |
| Also Known As | (2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol; Milk sugar; CHEBI:17716; beta-D-Gal-(1->4)-D-Glc; beta-D-Galp-(1->4)-D-Glcp; (+)-Lactose; 1-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-4-D-glucopyranose; beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1->4)-D-glucopyranose; Lactin; Anhydrous lactose |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Lactose?
Lactose is a glycosylglucose disaccharide, found most notably in milk, that consists of D-galactose and D-glucose fragments bonded through a beta-14 glycosidic linkage. The glucose fragment can be in either the alpha- or beta-pyranose form, whereas the galactose fragment can only have the beta-pyranose form. It has a role as a human metabolite.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: (2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol
Other Names / Synonyms: (2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol; Milk sugar; CHEBI:17716; beta-D-Gal-(1->4)-D-Glc; beta-D-Galp-(1->4)-D-Glcp; (+)-Lactose; 1-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-4-D-glucopyranose; beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1->4)-D-glucopyranose; Lactin; Anhydrous lactose
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 433 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.525 |
| Molecular Weight | 342.30 |
| Solubility | 50 to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Lactose is a white hard crystalline powder. (NTP, 1992) |
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
Lactose is a glycosylglucose disaccharide, found most notably in milk, that consists of D-galactose and D-glucose fragments bonded through a beta-14 glycosidic linkage. The glucose fragment can be in either the alpha- or beta-pyranose form, whereas the galactose fragment can only have the beta-pyranose form. It has a role as a human metabolite.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Lactose is: C12H22O11