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Lactic acid

CAS Number
50-21-5
EC Number
200-018-0
Chemical Formula
C3H6O3
Molecular Weight
90.08 g/mol

Description

Lactic acid ( CAS 50-21-5 ), also known as milk acid and listed as E270 in food additive regulations, is an organic acid produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis. It functions as an acidulant, preservative, and pH regulator across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial manufacturing. In food and beverage production, E270 acidifies and preserves products including dairy, pickled vegetables, meat preparations, and ready-to-eat meals. This process extends shelf life while contributing a mild, clean sour note to the final product. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a pH-adjusting agent in topical formulations, oral solutions, and vaginal preparations. Precise buffering is critical to product stability and efficacy in these specialized medical applications. Personal care formulators incorporate it into exfoliating creams, toners, and moisturizers. Its humectant action supports skin hydration and its acidifying effect helps maintain scalp and skin pH levels effectively. In leather tanning and textile processing, lactic acid controls bath acidity and aids in deliming hides. It often replaces stronger mineral acids where a milder, more controllable chemical process is required for quality results. Lactic acid is supplied as an aqueous solution, with 80% and 88% concentrations being the most commercially standard. Food-grade, USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. grades are available to meet regulatory requirements across different end markets. Technical grade is also offered for industrial applications such as water treatment and textile processing. These various grades ensure that the specific purity needs of each unique industrial or commercial sector are met. Contact us for supply of Lactic acid Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

α-hydroxypropionic acid | α-hydroxypropanoic acid | milk acid | milchsäure | lacticum acidum | DL-milchsäure | acidum lacticum | 2-hydroxypropionic acid | E270

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point16.8 °C
Boiling Point122 °C @ Press: 14-15 Torr
Density1.249 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C
Flash Point>230 °F
Appearancecolourless to yellow liquid
ColorColorless to yellow
Odorat 100.00 %. odorless
Formsyrup
Water SolubilitySOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure19 mm of Hg (@ 20°C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.4262
pH3.51(1 mM solution)
2.96(10 mM solution)
2.44(100 mM solution)
Log P-0.72

Safety & Handling

Danger
GHS05· CorrosiveGHS07· Irritant

Hazard Statements

H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H315Causes skin irritation
H318Causes serious eye damage

Precautionary Statements

P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P331Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29181100
Storage Class8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)2