Molekula
(−)-Ethyl L-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 L-lactate is a chiral organic ester derived from L-lactic acid, widely used as a solvent, flavor enhancer, and intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, as well as in biodegradable polymers and food additives. Its documented industrial applications include serving as a process solvent in semiconductor manufacturing, a solvent for paints and coatings, and a component of glues and adhesives. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a mild odor. Catalogue details: CAS 687-47-8, molecular formula C5H10O3, molecular weight 118.13 g/mol, storable at ambient conditions, and classified with a Danger signal word for hazards including flammable liquid and vapour (H226), serious eye damage (H318) and respiratory irritation (H335). Molekula supplies (−)-Ethyl L-lactate from research to bulk quantities with full documentation and ISO 9001:2015 traceability.
Example image for illustration only. Other packaging and pack sizes are available.
Pricing & pack sizes
Pack sizes & pricing
Pricing on request — packs available from research to bulk quantities.
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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.
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Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless or light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odour | Light ether and butterlike aromas. |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, ketone, ether, chloroform, grease |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 0.001 mg/kg |
| Optical Purity | ≥ 98.0% |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 0.0001 mg/kg |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.4080 - 1.4220 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 5 |
| 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 | Acid |
Literature values
Published physical properties of the substance, not batch specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Vapour Pressure | 1.6 mmHg |
Source: PubChem CID 92831 (Haz-Map)
Identification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 90031674 |
| CAS Number | 687-47-8 |
| IUPAC Name | ethyl (2S)-2-hydroxypropanoate |
| EC Number | 211-694-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H10O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 118.13 |
| Exact Mass | 118.063 |
| SMILES | CCOC(=O)[C@H](C)O |
| InChIKey | LZCLXQDLBQLTDK-BYPYZUCNSA-N |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H10O3/c1-3-8-5(7)4(2)6/h4,6H,3H2,1-2H3/t4-/m0/s1 |
| PubChem CID | 92831 |
| UN Number | UN1192 |
| REACH Code | Y110 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| HTS Code | 29181151 |
| Tariff Code | 2918110000 |
Safety & GHS
-
Flammable
GHS02
-
Corrosive
GHS05
-
Health Hazard
GHS07
Hazard statements
- H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
- H318 Causes serious eye damage
- H335 May cause respiratory irritation
Documents
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Available in English, French, German, Italian, 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
- (-)-ethyl lactate
- (L)-ethyl lactate
- (S)-(-)-ethyl lactate
- Ethyl (S)-2-hydroxypropionate
- ETHYL LACTATE NATURAL
- ETHYL LACTATE, S-
- FEMA NO. 2440, L-
- Lactic acid, ethyl ester, (S)
- Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester, (2S)-
- Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester, (S)-
Frequently asked questions
What is (−)-Ethyl L-lactate commonly used for?
(−)-Ethyl L-lactate is primarily used as a chiral building block in organic synthesis, a solvent in pharmaceutical formulations, and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of (−)-Ethyl L-lactate?
The chemical formula is C5H10O3, and the molecular weight is 118.13 g/mol.
How should (−)-Ethyl L-lactate be stored?
Store at ambient temperature in a tightly sealed container, away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials.
What grades of (−)-Ethyl L-lactate does Molekula supply?
Molekula supplies pharmaceutical-grade (−)-Ethyl L-lactate, meeting high-purity standards for synthesis and formulation applications.
Can Molekula supply (−)-Ethyl L-lactate in bulk quantities?
Yes, Molekula can supply (−)-Ethyl L-lactate in bulk quantities, with flexible packaging options (drums, IBCs) for large-scale orders.
What documentation comes with an order of (−)-Ethyl L-lactate?
Each order includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and batch-specific documentation for traceability.
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.