Ethyl lactate, also known as ethyl ester of lactic acid, is a monobasic acid formed from lactic acid and ethanol, commonly used as a solvent. This compound is considered biodegradable and can be used as a water-rinsible degreasing agent. Ethyl lactate is naturally found in small quantities in a wide variety of foods, including wine, chicken, and various fruits.
The smell of ethyl lactate when diluted is soft, oily, creamy, with hints of fruit and coconut.
Ethyl lactate consists of a racemic mixture of left and right forms. In some countries, the natural product is exempt from many of the restrictions placed on the use and disposal of solvents. Since both enantiomers are found in nature, and because ethyl lactate is readily biodegradable, it is considered a “green solvent.”
Due to its relatively low toxicity, ethyl lactate is commonly used in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and fragrances. Ethyl lactate is also used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose ethers.
Ethyl lactate is hydrolyzed in the presence of water and acids or bases into lactic acid and ethanol.
Ethyl lactate can be used as a co-solvent to obtain suitable conditions for the formation of aryl aldimines.