1. Product Overview of Ethyl L-(-)-Lactate 99% CAS 687-47-8

Ethyl L(-)-Lactate, also known as L-Ethyl Lactate, (S)-(-)-2-Hydroxypropionic acid ethyl ester. It is a chiral biodegradable green solvent derived from natural fermented L-lactic acid. It is colorless transparent liquid with mild fruity and creamy aroma. Compared with racemic ethyl lactate, this L(-) optical active form has specific chiral characteristics, widely adopted in chiral synthesis, food flavor, pharmaceutical intermediates, environmental-friendly cleaning agent and coating solvent fields.

2. Basic Chemical Information

Product Name: Ethyl L(-)-Lactate

Aliases: L-Ethyl Lactate, (-)-Ethyl L-Lactate, Ethyl (S)-(-)-lactate

EINECS No.: 211-694-1

Molecular Formula: C5H10O3

Appearance: Colorless transparent oily liquid

Odor: Mild characteristic fruity, buttery aroma

Boiling Point: 154 ℃

Flash Point: 46 ℃

Optical Rotation: \([\alpha]_D^{20}\) = -10° ~ -11° (neat)

Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, ether, ketones and most common organic solvents

3. Core Product Features

- Natural bio-based green solvent, fully biodegradable, low toxicity, replace acetone, ethyl acetate and other traditional volatile solvents

- Optically pure L(-) enantiomer, ideal chiral solvent & starting material for asymmetric organic synthesis

- Excellent dissolving capacity for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, natural & synthetic resins

- Low evaporation rate, moderate volatility, good film-forming auxiliary performance for coatings and inks

- Strict impurity control, two grades available: Industrial Grade & Food/Pharmaceutical Grade

- Widely recognized FEMA approved flavor raw material (FEMA No.2440)

4. Main Applications

Food & Flavor Industry

Approved food flavoring agent; used for wine, beverage, candy and dairy food formula, enhance fruity and creamy flavor.

Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals

Chiral solvent and synthetic intermediate for APIs, drug formulation auxiliary; raw material for asymmetric synthesis reactions.

Coatings, Ink & Adhesive Industry

Environmentally friendly high-boiling solvent for water-based paints, printing inks, printing paste, resin varnishes.

Cleaning Industry

Water-rinsable biodegradable degreaser for metal precision parts, electronic component cleaning.

Cosmetic & Personal Care

Solvent, humectant and penetration enhancer for skincare and hair care formulations.

Organic Chemistry 

ResearchStandard chiral reagent for laboratory asymmetric catalytic experiments.

5. Typical Specifications

Assay (GC): ≥99.0%

Moisture: ≤0.20%

Free acid (as lactic acid): ≤0.10%

Heavy Metal (Pb): ≤10 ppm

6. Packing & Storage

Packing: 250kg galvanized iron drum; IBC 1000L intermediate bulk container for bulk shipment; small sample drums available.

Shelf Life: 12 months under proper sealed storage.

7. Safety & Transportation

UN 1993, Class 3 Flammable Liquid, Packing Group III.