General Description
Synonyms: Actylol; Acytol; ethyl a-hydroxypropionate; ethyl-2-hydroxypropanoate; ethyl-2-hydroxypropionate; ethyl-S-(–)-2-hydroxypropionate; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester; lactic acid ethyl ester; propanoic acid 2-hydroxy-ethyl ester; Purasolv EL; Solactol.
Description: Ethyl lactate occurs as a clear colorless liquid with a sharp characteristic odor.
Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid ethyl ester
Uses
Ethyl lactate is used as a solvent or co-solvent in liquid formulations and recently as a co-solvent in emulsions and microemulsion technologies.
It has also been used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose ethers, polyvinyl and other resins.
It has been applied topically in the treatment of acne vulgaris, where it accumulates in the sebaceous glands and is hydrolyzed to ethanol and lactic acid, lowering the skin pH and exerting a bactericidal effect.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with bases or strong alkalis and may cause fire or explosion with strong oxidizing agents.
Safety
Ethyl lactate is used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceutical preparations, and is found in food products. The estimated acceptable daily intake for lactic acid is 12.5 mg/kg body-weight.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Avoid skin and eye contact; eye goggles should be worn, or a full face shield where splashing may occur. There is a slight explosion hazard in the form of vapor when it is exposed to flame. Avoid ignition sources and use adequate ventilation to keep vapor and mist as low as possible.
Related Substances
n-Butyl lactate; methyl lactate.