Lactose
CAS 63-42-3
EC 200-559-2
Formula C12H22O11
MW 342.3 g/mol
Sweeteners & Food Additives Food & NutritionPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Flavoring & Acidulant
Description
Lactose (CAS 63-42-3), also known commercially as Lactin and by synonyms including D-Lactose, Lactobiose, and Milk Sugar, is a naturally occurring disaccharide derived from milk. It carries no E-number designation in the EU and is classified under HS code 17021100 for customs and trade purposes.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, lactose serves as a direct-compression excipient and filler in tablet and capsule formulations, providing consistent flow and compressibility without interfering with active ingredients. In food production, it functions as a mild flavoring agent and contributes to Maillard browning reactions in baked goods and dairy-based products.
Lactose is available in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with the latter conforming to Ph.Eur. and USP/NF monographs. Food-grade material meets FCC standards. The substance is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU suppliers. Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities depending on grade and application.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, lactose serves as a direct-compression excipient and filler in tablet and capsule formulations, providing consistent flow and compressibility without interfering with active ingredients. In food production, it functions as a mild flavoring agent and contributes to Maillard browning reactions in baked goods and dairy-based products.
Lactose is available in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with the latter conforming to Ph.Eur. and USP/NF monographs. Food-grade material meets FCC standards. The substance is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU suppliers. Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities depending on grade and application.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 201-202 °C |
| Boiling Point | 397.76°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 0.42 g/cm³ (solid) (powders) |
| Appearance | white crystals or powder |
| Color | White to Off-white |
| Odor | wh. hard cryst. mass or wh. powd., odorless to sl. char. odor but readily absorbs odors, mildly swee |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | 5-10 g/100 mL at 20 ºC |
| Refractive Index | 1.5376 (estimate) |
| Log P | -3.391 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 17021100 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
LactinD-LACTOSELactobioseSUGAR MILKMilk sugar
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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