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Disinfectants and oxidizers

L-Lactic acid

Also known as L-(+)-Lactic acid, (S)-Lactic acid, (S)-2-Hydroxypropanoic acid

CAS 79-33-4Formula C3H6O3Molar mass 90.08 g/molEC 201-196-2
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive 126 suppliers listed Drug substance
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L-Lactic acid chemical structure, C3H6O3, CAS 79-33-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
79-33-4
Formula
C3H6O3
Molar mass
90.08 g/mol
Physical form
Liquid
HS code
291811
Category
Disinfectants and oxidizers
Illustrative photo, closed amber glass reagent bottles on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is L-Lactic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

(S)-lactic acid is an optically active form of lactic acid having (S)-configuration. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a (2S)-2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid and a 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a (S)-lactate. It is an enantiomer of a (R)-lactic acid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(2S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid
CAS number
79-33-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 26811-96-1
EC number
201-196-2
Molecular formula
C3H6O3
UNII
F9S9FFU82N
MDL number
MFCD00064266
InChIKey
JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-REOHCLBHSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O3/c1-2(4)3(5)6/h2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6)/t2-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
CC(O)C(=O)O
Isomeric SMILES
C[C@@H](C(=O)O)O

Synonyms

  • L-(+)-Lactic acid
  • (S)-Lactic acid
  • (S)-2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
  • (2S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid
  • Sarcolactic acid
  • (S)-2-Hydroxypropionic acid
  • (+)-Lactic acid
  • Paralactic acid
  • (S)-(+)-Lactic acid
  • Lactic acid, L-
  • Tisulac
  • Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, (2S)-
  • Sarcolacticum acidum
  • L-(+)-alpha-Hydroxypropionic acid
  • Lactisan Winter
  • Key Dermolac
  • Pleo Sanuvis
  • L Lactic Acid
  • ClO2-C Activator
  • Chlorine Dioxide Teat Dip
  • Jabon antiseptico a base de acido lactico
  • L(+)-lactic acid
  • PURAC
  • L-lactate
  • PH 90
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, (S)-
  • L-Lactic Acid, 90%
  • PLLA
  • Paramilchsaeure
  • Fleischmilchsaeure
  • (S)-Milchsaeure
  • Acidum sarcolacticum
  • Pleo sanvis
  • (S)-2-Hydroxypropionsaeure
  • S-Lactic acid, (S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid
  • D-Lactic Acid (90%)
  • 1-Hydroxyethane 1-carboxylic acid
  • L(+)-2-Hydroxypropionsaeure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Physical form
Liquidexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
90.08 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
90.0317 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.55calc.
Topological polar surface area
57.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
1calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive

Hazard statements

  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
Precautionary statements (14)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

L-Lactic acid suppliers

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All 126 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

126 suppliers in 23 countries

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L-Lactic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Industrial uses: Cleaning agent, Preservative, Intermediate, Processing aids not otherwise specified, pH regulating agent.

Consumer uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified, pH regulating agent, Cleaning agent.

Use classes: Safer Chemical Classes.

Industries and functions

Roles

  • Escherichia coli metabolite
  • animal metabolite
  • bacterial metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • prokaryotic metabolite

Functional uses

  • Anti-scaling agent
  • Biocide
  • Chelating agent
  • Cleaning agent
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Preservative
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Surfactant (surface active agent)
  • pH regulating agent

Pharmacology

Lactic Acid, L- is the levorotatory isomer of lactic acid, the biologically active isoform in humans. Lactic acid or lactate is produced during fermentation from pyruvate by lactate dehydrogenase. This reaction, in addition to producing lactic acid, also produces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) that is then used in glycolysis to produce energy source adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-743-00-5

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code L-Lactic acid is traded under.

HS 2918.11Indicative HS code

Lactic acid, its salts and esters

World exports in 2024
$635M
+9.6% vs 2023, imports $719M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China22.0%
  2. Thailand20.0%
  3. Spain11.4%
Top importers
  1. United States11.6%
  2. Spain10.3%
  3. Germany7.9%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for L-Lactic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about L-Lactic acid, based on the data on this page

What is L-Lactic acid?

(S)-lactic acid is an optically active form of lactic acid having (S)-configuration. It has a role as an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a (2S)-2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid and a 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a (S)-lactate. It is an enantiomer of a (R)-lactic acid.

What is the CAS number of L-Lactic acid?

The CAS registry number of L-Lactic acid is 79-33-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 26811-96-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of L-Lactic acid?

The molecular formula of L-Lactic acid is C3H6O3 and its molar mass is 90.08 g/mol.

What is L-Lactic acid used for?

Industrial uses: Cleaning agent, Preservative, Intermediate, Processing aids not otherwise specified, pH regulating agent. Consumer uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified, pH regulating agent, Cleaning agent. Use classes: Safer Chemical Classes.

Is L-Lactic acid hazardous?

L-Lactic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of L-Lactic acid?

L-Lactic acid is usually classified under HS code 291811 (Lactic acid, its salts and esters). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy L-Lactic acid?

CompoundList lists 126 suppliers of L-Lactic acid in United States, China, Germany, Spain and 19 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy L-Lactic acid in India?

5 suppliers in India list L-Lactic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of L-Lactic acid?

Suppliers quote L-Lactic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle L-Lactic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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