What is L(+)-Lactic Acid CAS 79-33-4?
L(+)-Lactic Acid CAS 79-33-4 is the optically active (S)-stereoisomer of lactic acid and represents the only form naturally produced by humans and mammals during normal metabolism. Commercially, it is manufactured via the precise bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates. Depending on concentration, it is available as a white crystalline solid or a colorless to yellowish syrupy liquid. It is highly soluble in water and features a mild acidic taste. Due to its fundamentally non-toxic and readily biodegradable nature, it serves as an essential building block in large-scale fine chemicals, critical medical solutions, and everyday consumer goods.
Specifications
| Item |
Value |
| Appearance |
White crystalline solid (or syrupy liquid in solution) |
| Melting Point |
52–54 °C |
| Boiling Point |
125 °C |
| Density |
1.206 g/mL (at 25 °C) |
| pH |
2.8 (10 g/L in H2O at 20 °C) |
| Storage Conditions |
2–8 °C, hygroscopic |
Features
- Exceptional Biocompatibility – As a naturally occurring human metabolite, it is non-toxic and safely assimilated, making it ideal for direct use in critical pharmaceutical and food applications.
- Efficient pH Regulation – Acts as a mild, highly effective acidulant and pH buffer in aqueous systems, maintaining stability across various temperatures and formulations.
- Environmental Sustainability – Highly eco-friendly and completely biodegradable, perfectly aligning with modern green-chemistry standards for industrial manufacturing and agriculture.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical & Medical – Critically utilized in fluid resuscitation solutions (intravenous fluids) following trauma or surgery, and serves as a vital substrate in biochemical laboratory assays.
- Food & Beverage Production – Acts as a ubiquitous food and animal feed additive, providing safe flavoring, natural preservation, and precise pH control in processed goods.
- Industrial & Chemical Manufacturing – Applied extensively as a solvent, electroplating agent, and core intermediate in the commercial production of leather, bio-plastics, paints, and specialized cleaning products.