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Ketone and ester solvents

Methyl lactate

Also known as Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, DL-Methyl lactate, Lactic acid, methyl ester

CAS 547-64-8Formula C4H8O3Molar mass 104.11 g/molEC 208-930-0
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant 15 suppliers listed
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Methyl lactate chemical structure, C4H8O3, CAS 547-64-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless, transparent liquid
Melting point
Ca. -66
Boiling point
144 to 145
Density
1.09 at 19 °C
Flash point
51 °C
HS code
291811
Category
Ketone and ester solvents
Illustrative photo, 25 litre white jerry cans of liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methyl lactate?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate is a lactate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid with methanol. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a methyl ester and a lactate ester.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
CAS number
547-64-8 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 2155-30-8
EC numbers
208-930-0, 218-449-8
Molecular formula
C4H8O3
UNII
H10S91526X
MDL number
MFCD00066367
InChIKey
LPEKGGXMPWTOCB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C4H8O3/c1-3(5)4(6)7-2/h3,5H,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C(=O)OC)O

Synonyms

  • Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
  • DL-Methyl lactate
  • Lactic acid, methyl ester
  • Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate
  • Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester
  • (+-)-Methyl lactate
  • Methyl alpha-hydroxypropionate
  • 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid methyl ester
  • (+-)-Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
  • (+-)-Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate
  • Methyl lactate, dl-
  • Methyl DL-lactate
  • Lactic Acid Methyl Ester
  • Lactic acid, methyl ester, (.+/-.)-
  • (+)-Methyl D-lactate
  • Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester, (.+/-.)-
  • methyl-lactate
  • methyl RS-lactate
  • RS-methyl lactate
  • Methyl D -lactate
  • racemic methyl lactate
  • (+/-)-methyl lactate
  • Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate #
  • (+/-)-Methyl-2-hydroxypropanoate
  • 2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid methyl ester
Show all 33 synonyms
  • Methyl DL-lactate, >=97.0% (GC)
  • (+/-)-Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
  • (+/-)-Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate
  • S-methyl lactate, (S)-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
  • Methyl lactate Solution in Acetonitrile, 100ug/mL
  • Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester, (R)-
  • doi:10.14272/LPEKGGXMPWTOCB-UHFFFAOYSA-N.1
  • doi:10.14272/LPEKGGXMPWTOCB-UHFFFAOYSA-N.2

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

Appearance
Colorless, transparent liquidexp.
Melting point
Ca. -66exp.
Boiling point
144 to 145exp.
Density
1.09 at 19 °Cexp.
Flash point
51 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
385 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible in water with decompositionexp.
Vapour pressure
3.5 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

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
104.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
104.0473 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.46calc.
Topological polar surface area
46.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.75calc.
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
Warning
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
210NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (20)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • 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

Methyl lactate suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 15 suppliers
15 of 15 offers

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Where suppliers are based

15 suppliers in 5 countries

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Methyl lactate 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

Cellulose acetate solvent.

Solvent for cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, lacquers, stains.

Chemical intermediate, eg, for acetyl, amide & higher ester derivs.

Chemical intermediate for carbetamide (herbicide for various grasses).

Captive chemical intermediate for lactic acid purification.

Roles

  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Solvent

How it is made

Prepared by heating 1 mole lactic acid condensation polymer with 2.5 to 5 moles of methanol and a small quantity of H2SO4 at 100 °C for 1-4 hours in a heavy walled bottle.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 607-092-00-7[1]

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Methyl lactate 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 Methyl lactate is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Methyl lactate, based on the data on this page

What is Methyl lactate?

Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate is a lactate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid with methanol. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a methyl ester and a lactate ester.

What is the CAS number of Methyl lactate?

The CAS registry number of Methyl lactate is 547-64-8. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 2155-30-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methyl lactate?

The molecular formula of Methyl lactate is C4H8O3 and its molar mass is 104.11 g/mol.

What is Methyl lactate used for?

Cellulose acetate solvent. Solvent for cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, lacquers, stains. Chemical intermediate, eg, for acetyl, amide & higher ester derivs. Chemical intermediate for carbetamide (herbicide for various grasses).

Is Methyl lactate hazardous?

Methyl lactate carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methyl lactate?

Methyl lactate 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 Methyl lactate?

CompoundList lists 15 suppliers of Methyl lactate in China, India, Japan, Ukraine and 1 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Methyl lactate in India?

1 supplier in India list Methyl lactate on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Methyl lactate?

Suppliers quote Methyl lactate 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 Methyl lactate

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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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