Methyl lactate explained

Methyl lactate, also known as lactic acid methyl ester, is the organic compound with the formula CH₃CH(OH)CO₂CH₃. It is the methyl ester of lactic acid. A colorless liquid, it is the simplest chiral ester. Being naturally derived, it is readily available as a single enantiomer.

Uses

It is a solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetobutyrate and cellulose acetopropionate. It is used in the manufacture of lacquers and dopes where it contributes high tolerance for diluents, good flaw and blush resistance.^[1]

The synthesis of 1,2-propanediol from methyl lactate has been commercialized using a MACHO catalyst.^[2]

See also

• Ethyl lactate, a more commonly used ester of lactic acid

Notes and References

1. "Industrial Solvents Handbook" by Ernest W. Flick. 5th Edition. William Andrew Inc., 1998.,
2. 10.1038/s41570-018-0049-z. The role of the metal-bound N–H functionality in Noyori-type molecular catalysts. 2018. Dub. Pavel A.. Gordon. John C.. 106394152. Nature Reviews Chemistry. 2. 12. 396–408.