Properties of Lactic Acid

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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES


Physical Properties: Lactic acid is a colorless to yellow syrupy liquid or a white powder. Its density is 1.029 g mL−1 and the melting and boiling points are 18 ºC and 122 ºC. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. Lactic acid is soluble in water and ethanol.

Chemical Properties: Lactic acid is a weak organic acid, however it can also react in the same way to other stronger acids; the carboxylic acid group presents in the molecule donate a hydrogen ion in the presence of bases (organic or inorganic bases). One of the most relevant characteristics of lactic acid is the double physical state that can present: while the racemic mixture of D,L-lactic acid is a liquid, the enantiopures forms are white powder.


No Property Name Property Value
1. Chemical formula C3H6O3
2. Molar mass 90.08 g·mol−1
3. Melting point 53°C
4. Boiling point 122 °C (252 °F; 395 K) @ 15 mmHg
5. Acidity (pKa) 3.86, 15.1
6. Color Colorless
7. Odor Odorless
8. Taste Mild acid taste and does not overpower weaker aromatic flavors.

Taste is acrid
9. Flash Point 113 deg C (235 deg F) - closed cup.

110°C c.c
10. Solubility 1000000 mg/L.

Soluble in water.

Completely soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, and other organic solvents.

Insoluble in benzene and chloroform.

Miscible with water.

Miscible with glycerol.
11. pH The pH of a 10 wt% aqueous solution of lactic acid is 1.75
12. Corrosivity Caustic in concentrated solutions
13. Stability Stable under recommended storage conditions.
14. Density 1.029 g mL−1

    Created by :

    Apriella Aulia Sholeha