Lithium lactate emerges from the reaction of lactic acid and lithium hydroxide, giving rise to a chemical compound with formula C3H5LiO3 and a molar mass close to 96.0 g/mol. Chemically, the compound combines the lightweight alkaline properties of lithium with the carboxylic acid nature of lactate, forging a salt both unique and significant. It serves as a white or off-white solid at room temperature, often encountered as powder, flakes, pearls, or even in a crystalline format. Sometimes the market carries it as an aqueous solution, clear and stable, particularly for specialized chemical or medicinal applications. With its HS code tagged under 29181100, lithium lactate aligns with global trade protocols, reflecting its standing among carboxylic acid salts. The consistency and purity often rank high for pharmaceutical-grade batches, matching the standards for raw materials integrated into chemical synthesis, battery additives, or laboratory reagents.
Density for the solid form hovers around 1.2 g/cm³, with specific gravity changes depending on hydration or solution format. Its solubility in water opens up avenues for precise dosage control, especially in laboratory or industrial settings. The material resists standard degradation at room temperature but breaks down under strong acidic or basic conditions. Lithium lactate demonstrates mild reactivity compared to other lithium salts; it avoids the volatility of lithium carbonate or the strong basicity tied to lithium hydroxide. In my research days, I witnessed lab-grade lithium lactate maintaining structure even in open air, reducing accident risks compared to more hazardous alkali salts. On the molecular level, the characteristic lactate ion bonds with lithium in a tight ionic matrix, supporting both structural function in synthesis and biological compatibility in certain regulated uses.
This compound appears as a fine white solid, sometimes in larger crystalline flakes all the way through to a fine granulated powder. Pharmaceutical and laboratory supply often prefer powder or pearl form for efficiency, while industrial operators sometimes request denser flakes to suit blending equipment. The structure reveals an ionic bond between a single lithium atom and the lactate group—one of the more stable lithium-organic connections. For practitioners seeking solutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers commonly order pre-measured liquid concentrations using distilled water, making dosing accurate and process handling efficient for both small- and large-scale productions. As a raw material, lithium lactate provides a reliable precursor or intermediate, especially where precise lithium content is mandatory. In my own experience, handling the powder with proper ventilation and gloves always paid off, avoiding accidental contact or inhalation during weighing and transfer.
Specifications for lithium lactate often call for high purity (over 98%), low iron contamination, and reduced moisture for stability. As a raw material, it finds use in organic synthesis, certain medical or nutritional supplements, specialized battery electrolytes, as well as laboratory reagents in analytical chemistry. Some manufacturers use this compound to prepare lithium-containing drugs under strict regulatory oversight, while others tune its concentration for use in electrochemical systems, exploring new battery chemistries or sensors. I have observed emerging interest among researchers exploring safer lithium sources for advanced materials, such as bio-compatible polymers or targeted therapeutic agents. Each use runs under proper protocol, emphasizing purity, traceability, and safe transport according to global hazardous material norms.
Compared to several lithium compounds, lithium lactate falls within a moderate hazard profile. Inhalation or ingestion carries risk, especially due to the lithium content, which can impact neurological and renal systems at high doses. Safety protocols require gloves, lab coats, and dust control—eye protection stays recommended, considering fine powder can spread under static charge or wind currents. I learned to keep material sealed and stored in dry environments because moisture degrades some physical properties. Spill cleanup goes smooth with inert damp cloths, avoiding the temptation to sweep up dry powder, limiting airborne dust. Waste disposal must follow local environmental and hazardous waste guidelines, noting that residual lithium and lactate ions impact aquatic systems if released untreated.
Three carbon atoms, five hydrogens, three oxygens, and a single lithium atom mark the backbone, producing the C3H5LiO3 molecular formula. The lattice energy holds steady in both anhydrous and hydrated formats. Chemists appreciate the straightforward, reproducible synthetic routes and the compound’s predictable behavior in organic and aqueous systems.
Taking stock of lithium lactate’s properties—be it in solid, flake, pearl, powder, or liquid solution—the compound serves as both a practical and innovative tool in research, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Its safety profile demands respect, especially in concentrated forms, yet offers manageable risk for trained users. For those working with lithium lactate, paying close attention to purity, safe handling, and disposal means getting the value from this resource without unnecessary exposure to hazard. Its blend of reliability, chemical specificity, and adaptability keeps it relevant, whether as a standalone raw material, a critical intermediate, or a finished ingredient.
