Occurrence
Ethyl lactate is reported to be found in apple, citrus fruits, pineapple, peas, sauerkraut, vinegar, bread, beer, grape brandy, rum, whisky, cider, sherry, wine, cocoa, banty beer, plum brandy and pear brandy. It has been approved by the US FDA for food use.
Definition
ChEBI: Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate is the ethyl ester obtained of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a secondary alcohol, a lactate ester and an ethyl ester. It is functionally related to a 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.
Preparation
Ethyl lactate is produced by the esterification of lactic acid with ethanol in the presence of a little mineral oil, or by combination of acetaldehyde with hydrocyanic acid to form acetaldehyde cyanhydrin. This is followed by treatment with ethanol (95%) and hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. Purification is achieved using fractional distillation. The commercial product is a racemic mixture.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Flash point 115°F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Ethyl lactate(97-64-3) is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of concentrated vapor may cause drowsiness. Contact with liquid causes mild irritation of eyes and (on prolonged contact) skin. Ingestion may cause narcosis.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
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.
In general, lactate esters have an oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg; and
the inhalation LC50 is generally above 5000 mg/m3. They have the
potential of causing eye and skin irritation (on prolonged contact),
but not sensitization. Ethyl lactate is moderately toxic by
intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. There is
low oral and skin contact toxicity; although ingestion may cause
nausea, stomach and throat pain, and narcosis. Inhalation of
concentrated vapor of ethyl lactate may cause irritation of the
mucous membranes, drowsiness, and narcosis.
LD50 (rat, oral): >5.0 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, oral): 2.5 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, SC): 2.5 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, IV): 0.6 g/kg
LD50 (rabbit, skin): >5.0 g/kg
Veterinary Drugs and Treatments
Ethyl lactate shampoo can be used when an antibacterial shampoo (bacteriostatic and bactericidal) is needed particularly in animals with
surface and superficial pyodermas that cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide. It also has keratoplastic effect, which provides anti-seborrheic
activity.
A lipid soluble compound, ethyl lactate penetrates hair follicles and sebaceous glands where bacterial lipases convert it into lactic acid
and ethanol, which are responsible for its antibacterial action. It is not as active as benzoyl peroxide against staphylococcal organisms, but
is less irritating and drying.
storage
Stable at normal temperature and pressure. Ethyl lactate is a
flammable liquid and vapor. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated
location away from any fire hazard area, in a tightly closed
container.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with bases or strong alkalis and may cause fire or
explosion with strong oxidizing agents.
Toxics Screening Level
The Initial Threshold Screening Level (ITSL) for ethyl lactate is 20 μg/m3 based on an annual averaging time.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Reported in the EPA TSCA Inventory.
