Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild acidic odor. It is an organic acid naturally produced by fermentation and widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. The 80% concentration provides a balance of potency and ease of handling, making it suitable for pH adjustment, preservation, and chemical synthesis. Lactic acid is biodegradable, non-toxic, and valued for its multifunctionality including antimicrobial properties and chelation abilities.
Lactic Acid
Primary Uses
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Used as a food acidulant and preservative to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in dairy products, beverages, sauces, and pickled foods.
- Acts as a fermentation aid and pH regulator in yogurt, cheese, and sourdough production.
- Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry
- Employed as an active ingredient in skin care formulations for exfoliation, moisturizing, and pH balancing.
- Used in topical creams, lotions, and chemical peels for its keratolytic and humectant properties.
- Acts as a preservative and pH adjuster in pharmaceutical syrups and ointments.
- Industrial Applications
- Serves as a pH regulator and buffering agent in textile processing, leather tanning, and cleaning formulations.
- Used in biodegradable polymer production (e.g., polylactic acid) for environmentally friendly plastics and packaging.
- Functions as a chelating agent and descaling chemical in cleaning and metal treatment processes.
- Agriculture
- Used as a biocide and preservative in animal feed to inhibit microbial growth and spoilage.
Secondary Uses
- Water Treatment
- Applied as a biodegradable acidulant and pH regulator in water treatment plants to control alkalinity.
- Chemical Synthesis
- Used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals including solvents, biodegradable polymers, and pharmaceuticals.
- Cleaning Products
- Included in eco-friendly cleaning agents for its acidity and antimicrobial effects, useful in food processing and household cleaners.
- Textile Industry
- Acts as a mordant and pH adjuster in dyeing and finishing processes.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
- Common/Trade Name: Lactic Acid 80%
- CAS Number: 50-21-5
- HS Code: 2918.14.00
- Synonyms: Alpha-hydroxypropionic acid; Milk acid; 2-Hydroxypropionic acid
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Viscous liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; mild acidic odor
- pH (80% solution): Approximately 2.0
- Density: ~1.21 g/cm³
- Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohols
- Boiling Point: 122 °C (decomposes)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1)
- Toxicity: Low toxicity but corrosive at high concentrations
- Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits; avoid inhalation and skin contact
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers and bases
- Container Type: Supplied in corrosion-resistant containers such as plastic drums or lined steel drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 1-2 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and acid-resistant clothing; avoid inhalation and contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications by FDA, EFSA, and other regulatory bodies
- Complies with REACH and other chemical safety regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at typical use concentrations
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin and eye contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored away from incompatible chemicals
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; emits toxic fumes of carbon oxides when heated to decomposition
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2 extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus during firefighting
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid vapors
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