Ammonium Lactate Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION
Ammonium Lactate Extra Pure is a high-purity, white to off-white crystalline or powdery compound formed from lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide, commonly used in laboratory settings for biochemical, pharmaceutical, and analytical applications. It serves as a buffering agent, a mild acidifier, and a source of both lactate and ammonium ions in solution. In biochemical research, it is used in studies involving metabolic pathways, pH-controlled reactions, and cell culture media. Its extra pure grade ensures minimal contamination, making it suitable for sensitive analytical techniques and formulation development. To maintain stability and prevent moisture absorption, it should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment.
- USES
Primary Uses
- Buffering Agent in Biochemistry and Cell Culture
- Used as a mild buffer for maintaining near-neutral pH in sensitive biological experiments, especially in low-ionic strength environments.
- Source of Lactate Ions in Metabolic Studies
- Provides lactic acid conjugate base in experiments modeling anaerobic metabolism and cellular respiration.
- Nutrient Additive in Microbial Culture Media
- Acts as a carbon source for certain bacteria or fungi in microbiology and fermentation experiments.
- Reagent in Food Chemistry and Cosmetic Science Research
- Studied in lab-scale modeling of preservative behavior, pH adjustment, and skin compatibility tests.
- Chelating Agent in Inorganic Studies
- The lactate ion can act as a mild chelator, useful in solubilizing metal ions like calcium, magnesium, or iron.
Secondary Uses
- Simulation of Biological Fluids or Fermentation Byproducts
- Used in modeling sweat, wound fluid, or spoilage products in lab-based degradation or stability studies.
- Redox and Acid–Base Studies in Educational Labs
- Demonstrates weak acid–weak base salt behavior, suitable for titration or hydrolysis experiments.
- Solubilizer in Experimental Drug Delivery Systems
- Investigated as a vehicle for solubilizing APIs or test compounds in pharmacokinetic simulations.
- pH Adjustment in Gel or Polymer Systems
- Occasionally used in forming hydrogels or buffers for controlled-release materials in laboratory tests.
- Precursor for Organically Modified Lactate Complexes
- Used in the synthesis of metal lactate salts (e.g., iron or zinc lactates) in coordination and nutritional chemistry studies.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Lactate
- CAS Number: 515-98-0
- HS Code: 29181100 (Lactic acid, its salts and esters)
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₉NO₃ (NH₄⁺ + C₃H₅O₃⁻)
- Synonyms:
- Lactic acid ammonium salt
- Ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate
- 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, ammonium salt
- Ammonium alpha-hydroxypropionate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (hygroscopic crystals) or aqueous solution (common form)
- Color & Odor: White to off-white crystals or clear solution; mild odor
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling (solution may boil near 100°C)
- Melting Point: ~75–80°C (for solid form)
- Density/Specific Gravity:
- ~1.07 g/cm³ (50% aqueous solution)
- Solubility:
- Water: Freely soluble
- Alcohol: Soluble
- pH Level: ~6.0–7.0 (50% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Low
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Moderate in solution
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Not classified as hazardous under GHS
- May cause mild skin and eye irritation in high concentrations
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No established limits (generally regarded as low-toxicity)
- Reactivity:
- Stable under normal lab conditions
- Avoid strong oxidizing agents
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Protect solid form from moisture (hygroscopic)
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
- Container Type:
- Sealed glass or HDPE containers
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~2 years under dry conditions or in stable aqueous solution
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves and eye protection
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA and REACH
- Also permitted in cosmetics and pharmaceutical uses (non-lab grades)
- Hazard Symbols (GHS Pictograms):
- Not required unless in large or industrial quantities
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not regulated for transport
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dilute with water and flush in accordance with local lab disposal guidelines
- Avoid bulk disposal into aquatic systems
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Low toxicity to aquatic life
- Persistence in Environment:
- Readily biodegradable
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- High; breaks down easily in the environment
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile).
- Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent inhalation of vapors or mists.
- Handling:
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Prevent inhalation of vapors or aerosols.
- Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing agents or strong acids/bases.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Protect from heat, light, and moisture.
- Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling chemicals.
- Keep the working area clean and dry.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air.
- If breathing becomes difficult, administer oxygen.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing or irritation persist.
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical advice if irritation occurs.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If the person is conscious, give water to dilute.
- Seek immediate medical attention—ingestion may cause irritation to the digestive tract.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray, depending on surrounding materials.
- Specific Hazards:
- Not highly flammable, but may decompose when heated, releasing toxic fumes such as:
- Ammonia
- Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Not highly flammable, but may decompose when heated, releasing toxic fumes such as:
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Cool exposed containers with water spray.
- Avoid breathing vapors or fumes from decomposition.
- Contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination.