Lactic Acid

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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.

Description

Lactic Acid

 Primary Uses

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Agriculture

  • Used as a biocide and preservative in animal feed to inhibit microbial growth and spoilage.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Water Treatment
  • Applied as a biodegradable acidulant and pH regulator in water treatment plants to control alkalinity.
  1. Chemical Synthesis

  • Used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals including solvents, biodegradable polymers, and pharmaceuticals.
  1. Cleaning Products

  • Included in eco-friendly cleaning agents for its acidity and antimicrobial effects, useful in food processing and household cleaners.
  1. Textile Industry

  • Acts as a mordant and pH adjuster in dyeing and finishing processes.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  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
  1. 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)

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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
  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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