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L-lactic acid

CAS Number
79-33-4
EC Number
201-196-2
Chemical Formula
C3H6O3
Molecular Weight
90.08 g/mol

Description

L-Lactic acid (CAS 79-33-4 ) is the naturally occurring, single-enantiomer form of lactic acid, produced commercially through fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks. It functions as an acidulant, pH regulator, and preservative across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial manufacturing sectors. In food and beverage production, it acidifies and preserves products including pickled vegetables, dairy alternatives, meat preparations, and ready-to-eat meals. This is particularly important where clean-label fermentation-derived sourcing is a specification requirement for the final product. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulators use it for pH adjustment in topical preparations and oral solutions. It also serves as a chiral building block in API synthesis, meeting strict USP and BP quality standards for medical applications. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into exfoliating creams, toners, and moisturizing formulations. Its dual role as a humectant and mild keratolytic agent drives consumer product differentiation in high-end skincare lines and professional cosmetic treatments. In leather processing and textile finishing, it controls bath pH and acts as a mild acidulant during dyeing and tanning operations. This ensures consistent color uptake and material integrity throughout the industrial manufacturing process. L-Lactic acid is supplied as an aqueous solution, with 80% and 88% concentrations being the most commercially standard. Ph.Eur. and food-grade variants are available to meet specific regulatory requirements across different global end markets. Bulk liquid supply in IBC containers or tankers is typical for industrial volumes. Smaller drum packaging is also available for specialty and pharmaceutical procurement, ensuring flexibility for various production scales and storage requirements. Contact us for supply of L-lactic acid Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

(S)-2-hydroxy-Propanoic acid | (S)-2-hydroxy-Propanoate | (S)-(+)-lactic acid | (alpha)-Lactic acid | (alpha)-Lactate | (2S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid | (+)-lactic acid | (+)-Lactate

Key Technical Features

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

Physical Properties

Melting Point53 °C
Boiling Point125 °C
Density1.2 g/cm³
Flash Point>230 °F
AppearanceCrystalline Solid
ColorWhite
Odorodorless acidic
FormPowder/Solid
Water SolubilitySOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure0.038Pa at 25℃
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.427
pH2.8 (20°C, 10g/L in H2O)
Log P-0.54 at 20℃

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
WGK (Germany)1