Description

Ethyl L(-)-Lactate is the ethyl ester of L-lactic acid, a high-purity chiral compound. This enantiomerically pure ester is valued for its role as a versatile, biodegradable solvent and a key chiral building block in advanced chemical synthesis. It is essential for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, food & flavor, and high-performance polymer industries seeking sustainable, high-quality intermediates.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: A critical chiral synthon for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in asymmetric synthesis.
• Green Solvent: Used as a biodegradable and low-toxicity solvent in coatings, inks, and cleaning formulations, replacing traditional volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Food & Flavor Industry: Employed as a flavoring agent and solvent due to its mild, characteristic odor and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) potential status.
• Polymer & Plasticizer Production: Serves as a monomer or co-monomer in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) derivatives.
• Electronics & Specialty Chemicals: Used in precision cleaning applications for electronics and as an intermediate for specialty esters and fine chemicals.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Functions as a skin-conditioning agent and solvent in cosmetic formulations, valued for its natural origin.

Basic Information

Product Name	Ethyl L(-)-Lactate
CAS No.	687-47-8
Molecular Formula	C5H10O3
Molecular Weight	118.13 g/mol
Synonyms	Ethyl (S)-2-hydroxypropanoate; (S)-(-)-Ethyl lactate; L-Ethyl lactate; (-)-Ethyl lactate; Ethyl L-lactate; Ethyl (S)-(-)-lactate; Lactic acid ethyl ester (L-form); (S)-Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate; 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester (S-form)
EINECS	211-694-1

Quality Control

Our Ethyl L(-)-Lactate is produced under strict quality management systems. Each batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including chiral purity (enantiomeric excess) and chemical purity assays, to ensure it meets the high standards required for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing specifications such as assay, optical rotation, and impurity profiles are available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); ensure containers are kept tightly sealed to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC/HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Optical Rotation [α]D20	-10.5° to -12.0° (c=1, H2O)
Enantiomeric Excess (e.e.)	≥ 99.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%
Refractive Index nD20	1.410 - 1.420
Specific Gravity (20/20°C)	1.020 - 1.040

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.