Ethyl lactate
[CAS# 97-64-3]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Amino acids and their derivatives >> FMOC-amino acid
• Name: Ethyl lactate
• Synonyms: Lactic acid ethyl ester; 2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid ethyl ester
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀O₃
• Molecular Weight: 118.13
• CAS Registry Number: 97-64-3
• EC Number: 202-598-0
• FEMA: 2440
• SMILES: CCOC(=O)C(C)O

Properties

• Density: 1.03
• Melting point: -26 °C
• Boiling point: 151 °C
• Refractive index: 1.4124
• Flash point: 46 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H226-H318-H335
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P261-P264+P265-P271-P280-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P370+P378-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

• Transport Information: UN 1192

Discovery and Applications

The history of ethyl lactate dates back to the early research on esters during the development of organic chemistry in the 19th century. It is recognized for its solvent properties and potential applications. With the chemical formula of C5H10O3, ethyl lactate is a colorless liquid with a mild odor, slightly soluble in water and highly soluble in organic solvents. Compared to many traditional solvents, ethyl lactate is environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability and low volatility.

Ethyl lactate is primarily used as a solvent in various industries due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. It is used in industrial cleaning, especially electronics and precision cleaning, to effectively remove grease and residue without damaging sensitive components.

In the production of paints and coatings, ethyl lactate helps dissolve resins and pigments, improving the application and finish of the product.

Ethyl lactate is an ingredient in inks used for printing, where its solvent properties help maintain the consistency and other properties of the ink.

In the pharmaceutical industry, ethyl lactate is used as a solvent for drug formulations. Its low toxicity and compatibility with many active ingredients make it suitable for oral and topical medications. Ethyl lactate helps in the preparation of various drug formulations, ensuring effective delivery and stability of active compounds.

Ethyl lactate is used as a solvent for flavorings and food additives. It has been approved by food safety authorities because it is safe and effective in enhancing flavor and stabilizing food.

Ethyl lactate is also used in the production of biodegradable plastics and as a monomer in polyester synthesis. This application supports the development of environmentally friendly packaging and products, contributing to sustainable development.

The biodegradability of ethyl lactate makes it an attractive alternative to traditional solvents. It breaks down into non-toxic byproducts, reducing environmental impact and complying with green chemistry principles.

Ethyl lactate is safe for use in a variety of applications and poses minimal health risks compared to many traditional solvents. It has low toxicity and is suitable for use in products that come into contact with food and pharmaceuticals.

Ethyl lactate is gaining attention in green chemistry, where it is used as a solvent in sustainable chemical processes. Its ability to replace more harmful solvents makes it an important ingredient in the development of environmentally friendly chemical reactions and products. In biorefining, ethyl lactate is used as a solvent for the extraction and purification of bio-based products. This application supports the production of renewable chemicals and fuels from biomass, promoting the advancement of sustainable technologies.

References

2024. Enhancing synthesis of ethyl lactate in rice baijiu fermentation by adding recovered granular cells. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 137(5).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2024.02.002

2023. Unravelling the hidden power of esterases for biomanufacturing of short-chain esters. Scientific Reports, 13(1).
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37542-x

2022. Extraction of Polyphenols and Vitamins Using Biodegradable ATPS Based on Ethyl Lactate. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(22).
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227838