Ethyl lactate

  • Ethyl lactate
  • 2- hydroxypropionate
  • 687-47-8 (L- lactate )
  • 97-64-3 (racemate )

Colorless, mild -smelling liquid

Liquid

1.03 g · cm -3

-25 ° C

154 ° C.

1.6 hPa ( 20 ° C)

Hydrolyzed in water

Risk

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Lactate, also referred to as ethyl lactate and 2- hydroxypropionate, the ethyl ester of lactic acid.

Lactate is included in small amounts as a flavoring or fragrance, for example in wine and various fruits. Its smell is mild and is described as fruity reminiscent of coconut.

The commercially available genetically engineered lactate is in the levorotatory L-shape and has the exact name of (S ) - (- )-2- hydroxypropionate or L- (-)- ethyl lactate. Technically, however, produced lactate is present as a racemate.

Production

The starting materials for the industrial production of lactate, lactic acid and ethanol. Both starting materials can be made ​​from renewable resources such as corn. Lactate is highly biodegradable. Therefore, the interest in this solvent, which may for example be used for stripping or cleaning of printed circuit boards in the electronics grows.

Ecological data

  • Biodegradation: 86 % / 28 d, readily biodegradable
  • Bioaccumulation is not expected
  • Toxicity to fish LC50 = 320 mg/l/96h Brachidonia rerio
  • Toxicity to daphnia EC50 = 683 mg/l/48h Daphnia magna
  • Toxicity to algae Selenastrum capricornutum IC50 = 2200 mg/l/48h
  • Chemical oxygen demand ( COD): 1.62 g / g

Use

Because of its low toxicity and favorable environmental properties assumes the use of lactate in very different areas constantly. It is used for example in pharmaceutical formulations, in food additives and perfumes.

Photoresists in microelectronics often contain lactate as solvent. There the name Safer Solvent has naturalized for lactate.

It is used as a solvent for dissolving the nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose ethers.

Shampoos for dogs and cats sometimes contain ethyl lactate in a detergent-active suspension. Further application possibilities in the future, for example in the field of adhesives, food emulsifiers, as a solvent for chiral synthesis, paint ( stripping ), etc. For some applications, is currently the price of ethyl lactate too high. However, there is intensive work on cheaper manufacturing processes.

Stereochemistry CAS registry number Vapor pressure Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) Wood stain
12059
de