Molekula
Ethyl lactate
Supplying 4,500+ customers in over 80 countries
ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 certified · Supplying laboratories and industry since 1999 · Listed pack sizes are a starting point — we manufacture, source and repack to the quantity you need
Ethyl lactate is a biodegradable solvent and ester derived from lactic acid, commonly used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial cleaning applications. It also serves as a solvent for cellulose resins, lacquers, paints and coatings, a glycol ether replacement in semiconductor photolithography, and a food flavoring agent. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild fruity odor. CAS: 97-64-3, Molecular formula: C5H10O3, Molecular weight: 118.13 g/mol, Storage: Ambient, Signal word: Danger.
Molekula supplies Ethyl lactate in 100 g and 500 g packs, from £37.08 inc. VAT. It is in stock for same-day dispatch. Every batch ships with a certificate of analysis, and safety data sheets are available in 7 languages. Larger quantities, up to multi-tonne, are quoted on request.
Example image for illustration only. Other packaging and pack sizes are available.
Pricing & pack sizes
In stock — same-day dispatch
These pack sizes aren't a limit. Molekula manufactures, sources and repacks to order — if you need 500 kg and only see 1 kg listed, . We quote from grams to multi-tonne.
Need a different size? Add the nearest pack and change the size in your basket — we price it at the same rate per unit.
-
100 g — £30.90 per pack ex VAT · £37.08 inc. VAT
-
500 g — £76.30 per pack ex VAT · £91.56 inc. VAT
Need a different quantity or pack?
Tell us how much you need and when — drums, IBCs, sacks or a one-off bulk lot. We'll manufacture or source it and come back with a price.
Prices exclude VAT/sales tax and shipping.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Identification | Conforms to reference |
| Ester Content | ≥97% |
| Refractive Index (20ºC) | 1.4080 - 1.4220 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤5.0mg.KOH/g |
| Relative density (25°C) | 1.029 - 1.037 |
Storage & handling
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Ambient |
| Flash Point | 46 °C |
| Transport Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Acidity | Neutral |
Literature values
Published physical properties of the substance, not batch specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odour | Buttery odor |
| Melting Point | -26 °C |
| Boiling Point | 154 °C |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Solubility (other solvents) | Miscible with water; soluble in organic solvents, oils |
| Vapour Pressure | 3.75 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.4124 |
Source: PubChem CID 7344 (HSDB, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA))
Identification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 18727919 |
| CAS Number | 97-64-3 |
| IUPAC Name | ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate |
| EC Number | 202-598-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H10O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 118.13 |
| Exact Mass | 118.063 |
| SMILES | CCOC(=O)C(C)O |
| InChIKey | LZCLXQDLBQLTDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H10O3/c1-3-8-5(7)4(2)6/h4,6H,3H2,1-2H3 |
| PubChem CID | 7344 |
| UN Number | UN1192 |
| REACH Code | Y110 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| HTS Code | 29181990 |
| Tariff Code | 2918199890 |
Safety & GHS
-
Flammable
GHS02
-
Corrosive
GHS05
-
Health Hazard
GHS07
Hazard statements
- H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H318 Causes serious eye damage
- H335 May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces - No smoking
- P241 Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment
- P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- P302+352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with soap and water
- P303+361 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse with water/shower
- P304+340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
- P305+351+338 IF IN EYES: Rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
Documents
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Available in English, English (US), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by batch
Enter a lot or batch number to retrieve the CoA for that specific batch. We can generate one from spec data if no PDF is on file.
Quality certificates
Molekula Group is certified to ISO 9001:2015 (quality) and ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management), audited by a UKAS-accredited body. Both certificates are valid to 17 May 2028.
Synonyms
- 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
- Actylol
- Acytol
- Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
- Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate
- Ethyl alpha-hydroxypropionate
- FEMA No. 2440
- Lactate d'ethyle
- Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester
- Solactol
Frequently asked questions
What is ethyl lactate used for?
Ethyl lactate is used as a solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food applications due to its low toxicity and biodegradability.
What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of ethyl lactate?
The formula is C5H10O3 and the molecular weight is 118.13 g/mol.
How should ethyl lactate be stored?
Ethyl lactate should be stored at ambient temperature, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials.
What grade of ethyl lactate does Molekula supply?
Molekula supplies ethyl lactate to a specification of ester content of at least 97%, with a refractive index (20°C) of 1.4080 to 1.4220, an acid value of no more than 5.0 mg KOH/g and a relative density (25°C) of 1.029 to 1.037.
Can Molekula supply ethyl lactate in bulk?
Yes, Molekula can supply ethyl lactate in bulk quantities, including drums and totes, subject to availability.
What documentation comes with an order of ethyl lactate?
Each order includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), with additional documentation available upon request.
Where can I buy Ethyl lactate?
Directly from Molekula, which lists Ethyl lactate in 100 g and 500 g packs from £37.08 inc. VAT, with a certificate of analysis for every batch. Larger quantities are quoted on request. Molekula's offices: United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, United States and China.
Is Ethyl lactate dangerous goods for shipping?
Yes. Ethyl lactate ships as dangerous goods: UN1192, class 3, packing group III.
Ready to order or need a custom pack?
Tell us the product, grade, and quantity — Molekula usually responds within one working day with pricing and lead time.