Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on industry of fine chemicals research and develop, produce and sale. Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in Shan Dong Ji Nan China. we have the ability to provide you high quality products. More than 90 % of our products are exported to developed countries and regions such as north America, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East.
1. Basic Information
Name: Lactic acid
Alias: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
CAS No.: 50-21-5
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Modified Formula: C3H6O3 → C3O3H6
Molecular Weight: 90.08
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
- Appearance: Colorless clear viscous liquid
- Odor: Faint mild sour odor
- Solubility: Miscible freely with water, ethanol, glycerol; slightly soluble in ethyl ether; insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons
- Melting Point: 16.8 °C
- Boiling Point: 122 °C (15 mmHg)
- Density: 1.209 g/cm3 (20 °C)
- Hygroscopicity: Strongly hygroscopic
Chemical Properties
- Molecular Structure: Aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid containing one C1O1O1H1 carboxyl group and one C1O1H1 hydroxyl group
- Dual functional reactivity: Undergoes esterification, condensation, lactonization, polymerization to produce polylactic acid, lactate salts
- Weak acidity: Moderate organic acid, capable of pH adjustment and neutralization with alkalis
- Thermal stability: Stable under normal temperature; heated above 130 °C generates lactide; high temperature decomposes into aldehydes
- Photostability: Stable under indoor light; long-term UV exposure slightly yellowed
- Compatibility: Compatible with most food raw materials, cosmetics and pharmaceutical excipients; incompatible with strong oxidants and concentrated strong bases
3. Main Application Fields
1. Food Industry (Core Application)
- Acidity regulator, preservative and flavor enhancer for beverages, baked goods, meat and dairy products
- Raw material for sodium lactate, calcium lactate food additives
2. Biodegradable Material Intermediate
Monomer for PLA (polylactic acid), fully biodegradable plastic used in disposable tableware, packaging, medical sutures
3. Cosmetic Raw Material
Mild AHA exfoliating ingredient for toner, facial mask and body care products; humectant and pH adjuster
4. Pharmaceutical Excipient
pH regulator, solubilizer and disinfection auxiliary raw material for oral, external and injection formulations
4. Quality Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Index |
| CAS Number | 50-21-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C3O3H6 |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent viscous liquid |
| Assay | Food Grade 80%–88%; Pharma Grade ≥90.0% |
| Water Content (KF) | Matches concentration specification |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.10% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Packaging | 25L / 200L food-grade PE drum |
| Storage Condition | Hermetic cool dry warehouse below 25 °C; isolate alkaline and oxidizing substances |
| Transportation Requirement | Non-dangerous goods, leak-proof sealed packaging |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under intact sealed packaging |
Safety Warning
Low-toxicity organic acid approved for food use. Concentrated solution irritates skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles during operation. Avoid long-term high-temperature storage to prevent lactide generation. Seal tightly to prevent moisture dilution and absorption of odor from air.
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