l-Lactic acid
CAS 79-33-4
EC 201-196-2
Formula C3H6O3
MW 90.08 g/mol
Organic Acids Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & HealthcareTextile, Leather & Paper Flavoring & AcidulantpH Regulation & BufferingHumectant & MoisturizingPreservation & Biocide
Description
L-Lactic Acid (CAS 79-33-4), also known as Milk Acid or L-Lactate and commercially as PURAC 50, is the naturally occurring L-enantiomer of lactic acid produced via fermentation of carbohydrate sources. It is classified under HS code 29181100 and carries EC number 201-196-2.
In food processing, L-Lactic Acid lowers pH to inhibit pathogen growth in fermented meats and dairy by disrupting microbial cell membranes. In personal care formulations, it acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent by attracting moisture and supporting natural moisturising factor levels. Textile and leather processors use it as a pH buffer and reducing agent during dyeing and tanning operations.
L-Lactic Acid is available in food, pharmaceutical, and technical grades, with compliance to FCC, Ph.Eur., and REACH regulations depending on application. It is supplied as a crystalline solid and sourced from verified fermentation processes. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended end-use requirements.
In food processing, L-Lactic Acid lowers pH to inhibit pathogen growth in fermented meats and dairy by disrupting microbial cell membranes. In personal care formulations, it acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent by attracting moisture and supporting natural moisturising factor levels. Textile and leather processors use it as a pH buffer and reducing agent during dyeing and tanning operations.
L-Lactic Acid is available in food, pharmaceutical, and technical grades, with compliance to FCC, Ph.Eur., and REACH regulations depending on application. It is supplied as a crystalline solid and sourced from verified fermentation processes. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification against intended end-use requirements.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 53 °C |
| Boiling Point | 125 °C |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Crystalline Solid |
| Color | White |
| Odor | odorless acidic |
| Form | Powder/Solid |
| Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.038Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.427 |
| pH | 2.8 (20°C, 10g/L in H2O) |
| Log P | -0.54 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07
H
H314H315H318
P
P260P264P280P316P317P321P363P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P362+P364P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29181100 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
(2S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acidlactateMilk acidL-lactatePURAC(R) 50LACTIC ACIDd-Lactic acid
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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