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Ethyl lactate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H10O3
CAS number
97-64-3
IUPAC name
ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
State
State

Ethyl lactate is typically found in liquid form at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-26.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
246.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
154.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
427.15
General information
Molecular weight
118.13g/mol
Molar mass
118.1310g/mol
Density
1.0290g/cm3
Appearence

Ethyl lactate is a colorless liquid with a characteristic mild, pleasant odor. It has a slightly sweet smell that is reminiscent of fruit or butter.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Ethyl 2-Hydroxypropanoate

Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate (C5H10O3) is known for its interesting solubility properties, primarily attributed to its polar hydroxyl group and non-polar ethyl group. The key aspects of its solubility are as follows:

  • Polar Solvents: Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate readily dissolves in polar solvents such as water and alcohols. This is largely due to the ability of the hydroxyl group to form hydrogen bonds.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: While it is more soluble in polar environments, it can also exhibit some solubility in non-polar solvents, although to a lesser extent.
  • Saturated Solutions: In aqueous solutions, it tends to form a saturated solution at elevated temperatures, indicating a higher solubility with increasing temperature.

Overall, the solubility behavior of ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate highlights its versatility as a solvent and a reagent in various chemical processes. It serves as an excellent example of the principle that "like dissolves like" in chemistry, showcasing the importance of molecular structure in determining solubility properties.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Ethyl 2-Hydroxypropanoate

Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, commonly referred to in the laboratory as an important ester, is well recognized for its versatile applications in both organic chemistry and various industrial processes. Below are some engaging aspects of this compound:

  • Versatile Uses: Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate is primarily utilized as a solvent and fragrance compound. It is employed in the production of flavorings and perfumes, making it a popular choice in the food and cosmetic industries.
  • Intermediate Role: This compound serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of numerous pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, highlighting its significance in medicinal chemistry and agriculture.
  • Chemical Reactions: Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate can participate in a variety of chemical reactions, including esterification, hydrolysis, and oxidation. This allows chemists to create a diverse range of derivatives and functionality.
  • Analytical Relevance: Due to its relatively simple structure, ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate can be a model compound for studying reaction kinetics and mechanisms, making it an excellent choice for educational purposes in organic chemistry labs.
  • Natural Occurrence: Interestingly, compounds similar to ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate can be found in various fruits and are responsible for some of their aromas and flavors, underscoring the compound's natural allure.

This compound exemplifies the intersection of chemistry and practical applications, illustrating how basic chemical principles can lead to advancements in various fields.

Taken together, these aspects make ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate an intriguing subject for both researchers and students alike!

Synonyms
ETHYL LACTATE
97-64-3
Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
Actylol
Solactol
Acytol
Lactic acid, ethyl ester
Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester
Lactate d'ethyle
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
Eusolvan
Ethyl alpha-hydroxypropionate
Ethyl lactate (natural)
FEMA No. 2440
Lactic Acid Ethyl Ester
DL-Ethyl Lactate
Ethylester kyseliny mlecne
Lactate d'ethyle [French]
NSC 8850
HSDB 412
Ethylester kyseliny mlecne [Czech]
ethyl DL-lactate
Ethyl ester of lactic acid
2-Hydroxypropionic Acid Ethyl Ester
EINECS 202-598-0
UNII-F3P750VW8I
UN1192
BRN 1209448
Ethyl .alpha.-hydroxypropionate
Ethyl racemic-lactate
F3P750VW8I
DTXSID6029127
CHEBI:78321
PURASOLV ELS
VERTECBIO EL
AI3-00395
NSC-8850
ETHYL LACTATE [MI]
(.+/-.)-Ethyl lactate
ETHYL LACTATE [FCC]
ETHYL LACTATE [FHFI]
ETHYL LACTATE [HSDB]
ETHYL LACTATE [MART.]
DTXCID509127
ETHYL LACTATE [WHO-DD]
FEMA 2440
(+-)-Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
(+-)-Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate
4-03-00-00643 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
UN 1192
(+/-)-LACTIC ACID ETHYL ESTER
(+/-)-ETHYL 2-HYDROXYPROPIONATE
ETHYL LACTATE (MART.)
Ethylester kyseliny mlecne (Czech)
Ethyl lactate,C5H10O3,97-64-3
EthylL-(-)-Lactate
ethyl-lactate
Ethyl lactic acid
Milchsaureathylester
MFCD00065359
lactic acid ethylester
(S)-(-)-2-Hydroxypropionic acid ethyl ester
Lactic acid-ethyl ester
Ethyl 2hydroxypropanoate
Ethyl 2hydroxypropionate
Mono-Ethyl mono-lactate
(+/-)-ethyl lactate
ETHYL RAC-LACTATE
ethyl-2-hydroxypropionate
Ethyl alphahydroxypropionate
Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate #
SCHEMBL22598
ETHYL LACTATE [INCI]
Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
(+-)-ETHYL LACTATE
WLN: QVY1 & O2
CHEMBL3186323
(.+-.)-ETHYL LACTATE
MSK6702
NSC8850
2Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
DL-LACTIC ACID, ETHYL ESTER
Tox21_200889
2-hydroxy-propionic acid ethyl ester
Ethyl lactate, >=98%, FCC, FG
AKOS009157222
Propanoic acid, 2hydroxy, ethyl ester
(+-)-LACTIC ACID ETHYL ESTER
CAS-97-64-3
NCGC00248866-01
NCGC00258443-01
(.+-.)-LACTIC ACID ETHYL ESTER
AS-13500
SY030456
(.+-.)-ETHYL 2-HYDROXYPROPIONATE
DB-057680
A9137
Ethyl lactate, natural, >=98%, FCC, FG
Ethyl lactate, SAJ first grade, >=97.5%
L0003
NS00001187
Ethyl lactate [UN1192] [Flammable liquid]
(-)-Ethyl L-lactate Natural, Kosher Certified
EN300-115258
A845735
Q415418
2-[(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]isoindoline-1,3-dione
(R)-Ethyl D-lactate;(2R)-2-Hydroxypropionic acid ethyl ester
(R)-Ethyl D-lactate ; (2R)-2-Hydroxypropionic acid ethyl ester
202-598-0