Ethyl Lactate - CAS 687-47-8

Ethyl Lactate, or Ethyl Hydroxypropionate, is the ethyl ester of lactic acid. This product is miscible with water and with most solvents. It has the advantage of being biodegradable and is considered a "green solvent". Indeed, it can be produced by fermentation of sugar with microorganisms and its degradation (hydrolysis) releases ethanol and lactic acid, two natural products recognized as "safe", and it is also found naturally in fruits.

Ethyl Lactate is colorless with a characteristic odor. Depending on its production method, it can be obtained in racemic form by chemical synthesis (CAS 97-64-3) or as a single enantiomer by fermentation (e.g. (S)-(-)-Ethyl lactate / Ethyl(-)-L-lactate (CAS 687-47-8).

MAIN FUNCTIONS

Solvent

INDUSTRIAL USE

Formulation of varnishes, inks, adhesives, paints, plastics, cosmetics, fragrances

Paint and organic coating stripper (e.g. Natural, acetone-free nail polish)
Degreasing: it can replace chlorinated solvents in cleaning various soils (human sebum, cutting oil, aqueous coolant, plasticizer, mineral and vegetable lubricants, silicone mold-release agent, lithium grease, marking ink) that may be found on metal parts during machining and assembly operations.
Precision cleaning. Graffiti removal from solid surfaces. Stripping of epoxy-based adhesives.
Photolithography (positive photosensitive resin solvent).
Polymer solubilization (solvent for cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetobutyrate, Polyvinyl Acetate, polyacrylates and polymethacrylates, polar resins).
Chemical bonding of plexiglass parts (PMMA polymethacrylates).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Molecular formula: C₅H₁₀O₃
Molar mass: 118.13 g/mol

SYNONYMS
Ethyl 2-hydropropionate,
Ethyl alpha-hydroxypropionate,
Ethyl hydroxy-2 propionate,
2-Hydroxypropionate ethyl
DL-Ethyl Lactate
2-Hydroxypropanoate ethyl
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate
ETHYL ALPHA-HYDROXYPROPIONATE
Ethylester kyseliny mlecne
lactate
Lactic acid, ethyl ester
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester