Title: Methyl Lactate

CAS Registry Number: 547-64-8

CAS Name: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid methyl ester

Molecular Formula: C4H8O3

Molecular Weight: 104.10

Percent Composition: C 46.15%, H 7.75%, O 46.11%

Line Formula: CH3CH(OH)COOCH3

Literature References: Prepd by heating 1 mole lactic acid condensation polymer with 2.5-5 moles of methanol and a small quantity of H2SO4 at 100° for 1-4 hours in a heavy-walled bottle: Rehberg, Org. Synth. coll. vol. III, 47-48 (1955).

Properties: Colorless, transparent liquid. d19 1.09. bp 144-145°. nD16 1.4156. Soluble in alcohol, ether; dec by water.

Boiling point: bp 144-145°

Index of refraction: nD16 1.4156

Density: d19 1.09

CAUTION: Mild irritant.

Use: Cellulose acetate solvent.