3-Phenyllactic Acid stands out as an aromatic hydroxy acid, falling under organic compounds with a definite phenyl ring structure attached to lactic acid. Chemical enthusiasts, researchers, and manufacturers often encounter this material across multiple areas, from food safety controls to antimicrobial applications. This compound appears in solid, powder, flakes, crystalline, pearls, and liquid forms, showcasing its physical diversity in raw material supply and processing.
Among commercial product lines, 3-Phenyllactic Acid appears as pure solid powder for laboratory synthesis, clear crystals for food science, and custom solutions used in advanced biotechnology. Its powder form finds popularity among pharmaceutical labs, while a crystalline state often suits precision medical research and specialty chemical synthesis. Specialty suppliers deliver the compound as free-flowing flakes, optically pure pearls, and high-purity liquid, serving diverse industries from flavor manufacturing to chemical engineering. Bulk orders often ship in sealed drums or high-density containers, meeting industrial-grade and analytical requirements. End users might include food safety labs, molecular research initiatives, and even cosmetics companies seeking innovative raw materials.
With the molecular formula C9H10O3 and a molar mass close to 166.17 g/mol, 3-Phenyllactic Acid’s structure includes a three-carbon lactic backbone, a hydroxyl group on the second carbon, and an attached phenyl ring that influences both its solubility and reactivity. This skeletal layout means strong phenolic characteristics, setting it apart from plain lactic acid and adding functional potential in chelation, esterification, or condensation reactions. The structure supports both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, making it valuable for researchers examining solubility gradients and compatibility with water-based or organic solvents.
Consistent specification sheets list a density in the ballpark of 1.24 g/cm3, with actual measurements depending on temperature and particle size. Physical state ranges from fine powder at room temperature to needle-like or plate-like crystals after precise recrystallization. Color varies; highly pure samples reveal white to off-white hues, while some technical-grade stocks carry faint beige or yellowish tinges due to trace impurities. Standard purity levels reach 98% or higher, ensuring reliability for formulation and R&D. Melting point commonly falls between 110°C and 113°C, guiding safe storage and handling. Water solubility sits in the moderate spectrum, supported by the hydroxyl group, but it dissolves readily in ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide, among other polar solvents. Key physicochemical properties like refractive index and optical rotation depend on enantiomeric purity, another variable tracked in specialist research.
Trade and customs categorize 3-Phenyllactic Acid under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2918199090, aligning with hydroxy carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Border crossings, import-export certifications, and safety documentation all rely on this number, which clarifies country-of-origin labeling and supports compliance in international shipments. Regulatory authorities look at this HS Code within product registration, import tariffs, and usage permissions, especially when destined for sensitive applications.
Handling 3-Phenyllactic Acid safely starts with a reliable understanding of its solid, powder, flake, or liquid form’s risk profile. Though often regarded as having low toxicity, the material warrants respect for its potential to irritate skin, mucous membranes, or eyes under direct contact. Safe practices mean using gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation. Inhalation of fine powders could spark slight respiratory irritation, especially upon long exposures or accidental spills. Dust management practices cut down inhalation risks. Emergency data and chemical safety sheets never label it as acutely hazardous or especially harmful under ordinary laboratory use, but bulk handlers train for accidental exposure, emphasizing rinsing and dilution. Environmental safety gains importance here—runoff from spills should be avoided, especially near surface water, reflecting a responsible approach to bioactivity.
Much of the interest in 3-Phenyllactic Acid springs from its antimicrobial properties, often documented in lactic acid bacteria studies and food preservative research. As an inhibitor of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, the material finds experimental use in extending shelf life for dairy products, fresh-cut produce, and meat alternatives. On the medical front, its chemistry attracts bioanalytical research into antibiotic resistance and new pharmaceutical scaffolds. Cosmetic science taps into the compound’s mild keratolytic effects, blending it with other alpha hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation, bringing appeal to modern skincare products. In chemical synthesis, this acid’s bifunctional nature (hydroxyl and phenyl groups) allows it to serve as a substrate or intermediate, influencing reaction rates and stereoselectivity.
Sourcing high-purity 3-Phenyllactic Acid depends on rigorous fermentation processes involving lactic acid bacteria or via synthetic organic pathways. Quality and traceability make a difference, especially for pharmaceutical or food-grade users. Reputable suppliers provide in-depth molecular identity confirmation—infrared spectrum confirmation, nuclear magnetic resonance data, and purity certificates—all helping research institutions uphold standards for reproducibility and reliability. Raw material choices influence downstream value-add processes, not least because contaminants can shift melting points, solubility, and even toxicity. Transparent supply chains, third-party audits, and ongoing quality assessment reduce the risk of adulteration or mislabeling.
Ensuring consistent quality remains a hurdle in high-volume settings. Suppliers contend with purification challenges, especially as end users demand growing levels of purity for advanced synthesis or sensitive biological assays. Industry’s answer often lies in continuous investment in chromatography, filtration, and robust process controls that track and minimize batch variability. Another hurdle comes from waste management during production—green chemistry solutions aim to minimize solvent use and optimize fermentation, reducing environmental impact. The safety profile, although mild, means companies regularly update equipment to prevent dust release and practice responsible chemical stewardship, driven by both internal ethics and external regulations.
In real-world labs and processing plants, 3-Phenyllactic Acid brings a rare mix of reactivity, safety, and bioactivity. From experience, a chemist often sees this compound paving the way for safer preservatives or improved bio-based materials. The specifications, structure, and property data support innovation, but successful application always depends on rigorous sourcing, transparent labeling, and an appreciation for both scientific potential and safe material handling. Every bottle or drum ties into broader goals—be it fighting spoilage, driving medical research, or stepping up chemical efficiency—forging a link between material science and modern industry demands.
