Overview
L-Lactic Acid (L-LA) is the levorotatory enantiomer of lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid. It plays crucial roles in biological systems as an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism. Industrially, it's produced via microbial fermentation of carbohydrates, typically using Lactobacillus strains. As a chiral compound, L-LA differs biologically from its D-isomer, with specific applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics. Its production has grown significantly with the increasing demand for polylactic acid (PLA), a sustainable polymer alternative.
Physical and Chemical Properties
L-Lactic Acid exists as a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid at room temperature, with a characteristic mild acidic odor. It's highly hygroscopic and typically commercialized as aqueous solutions (typically 80-90% concentration). The acid exhibits typical carboxylic acid reactivity while maintaining optical activity. Key distinguishing properties include its specific rotation ([α]D20 ≈ -14° for pure L-LA) and lower corrosivity compared to mineral acids. Its pKa of 3.86 makes it a moderately strong organic acid, contributing to its preservative effects in food applications.
Main Applications
In food industry, L-LA serves as acidulant (E270), pH regulator, and preservative in dairy products, baked goods, and beverages. Pharmaceutical applications include use as an excipient in topical formulations and as a starting material for drug synthesis. The largest growth sector is bioplastics, where L-LA is polymerized to produce PLA for packaging and textiles. Cosmetic formulations utilize its moisturizing and exfoliating properties in skin care products. Emerging applications include green solvents and chelating agents in cleaning products.
Safety and Storage
While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use, concentrated L-LA requires careful handling. Proper ventilation and chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) are recommended during industrial handling. Storage tanks should be made of stainless steel (316 grade) or polyethylene. For long-term storage, nitrogen blanketing helps prevent oxidation. Bulk shipments typically use food-grade polyethylene containers or stainless steel tankers. Shelf life is typically 12-24 months when stored properly, with quality indicators including color, odor, and optical purity.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify: optical purity (≥95% typically required for PLA production), concentration (80-90% aqueous solutions are standard), and microbial standards (for food/pharma grades). Packaging options range from 25kg jerricans to 1000kg IBC totes. Quality certifications to verify include USP, FCC, or EU food-grade standards. Lead times vary by region, with Asian suppliers typically offering shorter delivery but potentially longer quality approval processes. Payment terms for established B2B relationships often include 30-60 day credit periods.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：柱塞泵、单向阀、电磁阀、cml齿轮泵、vq25-52-f-raa-01、sfd-10-d24-2b2-60、盛菖tcmc、电磁比例、液压油泵、液压安全阀、比例调速阀、立新减压阀、单向节流阀、电磁换向阀、福南叶片泵、齿轮泵、马达、泊姆克齿轮泵、长江齿轮泵、油泵、定制齿轮油泵
- 主营：PMMA亚克力、PA尼龙、PBT塑胶粒、PCTG塑胶粒、TPE弹性体、阻燃塑胶、增强塑胶、增韧塑胶、耐高温塑胶、透明塑胶粒、环保塑胶粒、PE塑胶粒、PS塑胶粒、EVA塑胶粒、POM聚甲醛、通用塑胶粒、高温尼龙料、透明pc、PBT、PMMA、尼龙料、PE、PA、pc
- 主营：ABS塑胶粒、PC塑胶粒、PMMA亚克力、PA尼龙、PBT塑胶粒、PCTG塑胶粒、TPE弹性体、TPU塑胶粒、阻燃塑胶、增强塑胶、增韧塑胶、耐高温塑胶、透明塑胶粒、环保塑胶粒、食品级塑胶粒、PP塑胶粒、PE塑胶粒、PS塑胶粒、EVA塑胶粒、POM聚甲醛、医用级塑胶粒、通用塑胶粒、高温尼龙料、透明pc、pc
- 主营：液压阀、液压泵、液压马达、液压油缸、油泵电机组、液压系统、电磁阀、电动泵、阀门定位器