Ethyl lactate stands as an organic chemical with the molecular formula C5H10O3, and it often pops up as a colorless liquid with a characteristic mild odor reminiscent of green apple. Its structure features an ethyl ester group attached to lactic acid, giving it both solubility in water and a significant ability to mix with common organic solvents. Derived from renewable resources, such as corn or other starches, it forms during the fermentation of sugars, followed by esterification. Ethyl lactate frequently draws attention for use in food, pharmaceutical, electronic, and industrial cleaning sectors because of its relatively low toxicity and biodegradable profile. Its HS Code is 29181100.
Every manufacturer or laboratory relies on density, purity, melting point, and boiling point data. Ethyl lactate presents a molecular weight of 118.13 g/mol. The density settles around 1.03 g/cm3 at room temperature. As a liquid, it shows a boiling point near 154–155°C, whereas the melting point falls around −26°C, making it stay liquid under standard ambient conditions. The compound is miscible with water, acetone, ethanol, and a host of other solvents—something you rarely find with many esters. Flakes, powder, crystals, solid, liquid, and pearl forms rarely show up in large-scale trade; most suppliers and buyers handle ethyl lactate as a clear liquid. In high-purity settings, manufacturers control for acidity, water content, and optical rotation if chiral properties matter.
Ethyl lactate, as the ethyl ester of lactic acid, features a backbone with both an ester group (COO) and an alcohol group (from the parent lactic acid) bonded to the ethyl moiety. The molecular structure displays: CH3–CH(OH)–COOCH2CH3. This hydrophilic and lipophilic nature means the product easily bridges polar and non-polar environments. In my lab experience, ethyl lactate dissolves stubborn organic stains off glassware that water or soap could never touch, all without damaging delicate surfaces or rubber seals.
Large drums of ethyl lactate often arrive as clear, mobile liquids, sometimes with the faintest yellow tinge. In rare specialty situations, high-purity crystalline ethyl lactate becomes relevant, but most downstream users—such as electronics fab cleaning teams and flavor houses—prefer the more common liquid. Flake, pearl, and powder forms are uncommon; handling and storage tend to favor the stability and ease of a bulk liquid. On occasion, formulations blend ethyl lactate into pre-mixed solutions with specific concentrations measured in grams per liter, aimed at rapid dilution for solvents or specialty cleaning.
Trade specifications require transparency on purity, often exceeding 99.0%, with water content under 0.25% for high-end electronic and laboratory applications. Densities get recorded at 20°C: 1.03 g/mL is the industry benchmark, and viscosity hovers near 2 mPa.s. For solution-makers, the product’s high solvency allows for concentrated stock or direct-use formats, saving storage space and reducing the frequency of container shipments. In terms of bulk handling, ethyl lactate is transported in stainless steel tanks or HDPE drums, with clear digitization of HS Code 29181100 for customs and safety paperwork.
Ethyl lactate earns its favor in green chemistry circles for its lower acute toxicity compared to many industrial solvents. Material safety data sheets peg it as irritating to eyes and skin at high concentrations. Ventilated storage and proper handling—gloves and eye protection—keep workplace accidents rare. Fire risk remains moderate; ethyl lactate sports a flash point around 46°C. Long experience in small-batch manufacturing shows that with good ventilation, splash guards, and correct storage temperatures, the compound rarely causes occupational incidents. Chronic exposure at low levels isn’t currently linked with the serious toxicity that plagues many petroleum-based solvents. Environmental spill response typically focuses on controlling entry to waterways, though natural breakdown occurs over days to weeks, limiting persistent risk.
Industries sourcing ethyl lactate often look for producers connected to bio-based lactic acid fermentation, not only for lifecycle emissions data but also for reliability during volatile petrochemical price swings. The raw material mix affects both supply chain sustainability and regulatory acceptance, especially in food-contact or pharmaceutical applications. Demand stretches from paint removers and electronics cleaning solutions to flavor and fragrance formulators, with green chemistry initiatives pushing greater adoption each year. Technicians in semiconductor fabs use it for precision cleaning of silicon wafers before lithography; I’ve personally seen batches of contaminated glassware rescued from disposal thanks to ethyl lactate’s persistence and biological safety. Shelf life depends on purity grade, but most drums store safely for over a year if sealed tight and kept out of direct sun.
One challenge lies in balancing high solvency with workplace safety. As environmental standards clamp down on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ethyl lactate finds a sweet spot: strong solvency with reduced harmful vapor emissions. That said, some facilities still suffer from poor ventilation, leading to eye irritation. Installing fume hoods, local exhaust, and low-emission mixing protocols addresses this with manageable investment. Product adulteration or mislabeling also pops up; proper HS Code identification and random sample purity checks keep distributors honest and clients protected. In applications demanding zero-residue cleaning—for example, lens manufacturing—residual film can undermine product quality, so water rinses are mandatory after use. With transparency from suppliers, clear storage practices, and safety education on chemical handling, problems tend to stay manageable for years at a stretch.
