6094. Methyl Lactate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 547-64-8
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid methyl ester; lactic acid methyl ester; methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate.
C4H8O3; mol wt 104.10.
C 46.15%, H 7.75%, O 46.11%.

Description and references

Prepd by heating 1 mole lactic acid condensation polymer with 2.5-5 moles of methanol and a small quantity of H2SO4 at 100° for 1-4 hours in a heavy-walled bottle: Rehberg, Org. Synth. coll. vol. III, 47-48 (1955).

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, transparent liquid. d19 1.09. bp 144-145°. nD16 1.4156. Soluble in alcohol, ether; dec by water.

Caution

Mild irritant.

Use

Cellulose acetate solvent.