Methyl lactate

Methyl lactate (CAS 547-64-8) is the methyl ester of lactic acid, commercially available under the names DL-methyl lactate and (±)-methyl lactate. It carries no E-code designation and is registered under EC number 208-930-0 with the molecular formula C4H8O3.

In electronics manufacturing, methyl lactate functions as a low-toxicity photoresist stripper and flux cleaner, dissolving resin residues through ester-mediated solvation. In pharmaceutical and personal care formulations, it acts as a solvent carrier for active ingredients and contributes mild pH-buffering capacity due to its lactic acid backbone. It also serves as a coalescent solvent in printing inks.

Methyl lactate is supplied in technical and high-purity grades compliant with REACH registration requirements. It is available in standard drum and IBC packaging formats suited to industrial procurement volumes. Buyers should confirm grade specifications against Ph.Eur. or FCC standards depending on the intended application.