- What it is. This lactic acid is an 85% aqueous solution that meets Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) grade specifications, supplied in a case of six 500 mL units. It is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow, syrupy liquid used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and laboratory applications.
- What FCC grade means. The Food Chemicals Codex is a compendium of internationally recognized standards for the identity, purity, and quality of food ingredients. FCC grade signals that the material is suitable for food and beverage use, as well as for labs that need food-compliant reagents.
- Chemical identity. Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, CAS 50-21-5, C3H6O3, 90.08 g/mol) is an alpha-hydroxy organic acid with a pKa of about 3.86. Concentrated commercial solutions are a mixture of lactic acid and its self-condensed form, lactoyl lactic acid, which forms as water is removed.
- Physical properties. Eighty-five percent lactic acid has a density of about 1.20 g/cm³, a boiling point of about 122 °C at reduced pressure (20 hPa), and a flash point of about 112 °C. It mixes completely with water and ethanol.
- How it is produced. Most commercial lactic acid is produced by fermenting sugars from corn, sugarcane, or beets with lactic acid bacteria, then purifying the product. It also gives yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough their characteristic tang.
- Food and beverage uses. In food processing, lactic acid acidifies and flavors beverages, dairy products, and confectionery; controls pH in brewing and pickling; preserves foods by inhibiting spoilage organisms; and serves as an antimicrobial wash in meat processing.
- Laboratory and industrial uses. Labs use lactic acid to adjust pH, prepare buffers, prepare microbiology media, and as a reference standard. Industrially, it is the monomer for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, a descaling and cleaning acid, and an exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid in cosmetics.
- Six-unit case. The six 500 mL units let labs and production areas open one unit at a time, keeping the remaining material sealed and reducing moisture uptake and contamination in stock not yet in use.
- Handling at a glance. Concentrated lactic acid causes skin irritation and serious eye damage. Wear goggles and gloves, and rinse splashes promptly with water. Dilute solutions used in food are far milder than the 85% concentrate.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | Lactic acid, aqueous solution |
| CAS Number | 50-21-5 |
| EC Number | 200-018-0 |
| Synonyms | 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid, DL-lactic acid, milk acid |
| Formula | C3H6O3 (CH3CH(OH)COOH) |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| Grade | Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) |
| Concentration | 85% (nominal) |
| Composition Note | Mixture of lactic acid and lactoyl lactic acid at this concentration |
| pKa | About 3.86 |
| Density | About 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | About 122 °C (20 hPa) |
| Flash Point | About 112 °C |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to slightly yellow, syrupy liquid |
| Solubility | Miscible with water and ethanol |
| Hazard Profile | Causes skin irritation and serious eye damage (confirm on SDS) |
| DOT (comparable 85% products) | UN3265, Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s., Class 8, PG II (confirm on SDS) |
| Package Size | 6 x 500 mL |
Applications / Common Uses
- Food acidulant: Adjusts acidity and flavor in foods and beverages.
- pH control: Lowers pH in brewing, pickling, and processing.
- Buffer preparation: Supplies acid for lactate buffers.
- Microbiology: Acidifies media and supports culture work.
- Cosmetic formulation: Serves as an alpha-hydroxy acid ingredient.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: 85% lactic acid causes skin irritation and serious eye damage. Wear chemical splash goggles and gloves, and rinse any splashes with plenty of water.
Store tightly closed at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong bases, oxidizers, and reactive metals. Keep unopened units sealed until needed, and avoid contaminating stock with pipettes or utensils.
- Incompatible materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizers, and reactive metals.
- Personal protection: Chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves.
- Spill response: Absorb or neutralize with sodium bicarbonate and rinse the area with water.
- First aid: Eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Skin: wash with water.
Related Categories & Services
- Shop Organic Acids for related products in this category.
- Explore Acids and General Chemistry.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Program: Lab Pro can stock, track, and replenish this item on site so it never runs out. Contact info@labproinc.com or 888-452-2776 to set up a VMI assessment.
