Butyl lactate
CAS 138-22-7
EC 205-316-4
Formula C7H14O3
MW 146.18 g/mol
Solvents Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPlastics & Polymers Flavoring & AcidulantSolvent & CarrierAntioxidant & Stabilizer
Description
Butyl lactate (CAS 138-22-7, EC 205-316-4), also known as n-butyl lactate or by its FEMA designation 2205, is an ester formed from lactic acid and n-butanol. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29155090.
In food and flavour applications, butyl lactate functions as a flavorant by contributing mild, creamy top notes to compositions at low use levels. In plastics processing, it acts as a heat stabiliser by chelating metal ions that would otherwise catalyse polymer degradation. Personal care formulators use it as a slow-evaporating solvent carrier that extends the release profile of fragrance ingredients.
Butyl lactate is available in technical and food-grade forms, with food-grade material conforming to FCC specifications. It is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU supply. Typical packaging includes drums and IBC containers; suppliers should confirm compliance documentation prior to procurement.
In food and flavour applications, butyl lactate functions as a flavorant by contributing mild, creamy top notes to compositions at low use levels. In plastics processing, it acts as a heat stabiliser by chelating metal ions that would otherwise catalyse polymer degradation. Personal care formulators use it as a slow-evaporating solvent carrier that extends the release profile of fragrance ingredients.
Butyl lactate is available in technical and food-grade forms, with food-grade material conforming to FCC specifications. It is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU supply. Typical packaging includes drums and IBC containers; suppliers should confirm compliance documentation prior to procurement.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -28 °C |
| Boiling Point | 186 °C |
| Density | 0.9815 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C; Press: 759.8 Torr |
| Flash Point | 157 °F |
| Appearance | CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. green fruity apple kiwi melon rind lactonic waxy winey apple skin soapy |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 42 g/L (25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.4 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.421(lit.) |
| Log P | 0.88 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS05 GHS07
H
H227H315H318H319H335H336
P
P210P261P264P271P280P317P319P321P403P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P370+P378P403+P233P305+P351+P338P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29155090 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
N-Butyl lactatebutyl 2-hydroxypropanoateDL-butyl lactatebutyl ester of lactic acid
Related Products
Derivatives
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