Lactic Acid

C₃H₆O₃

IUPAC: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid

CAS: 50-21-5

Overview

Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic metabolism in muscles and by bacteria during fermentation. It gives yogurt and sauerkraut their sour taste.

Composition

Element	Symbol	Atoms	Atomic Mass
Hydrogen	H	6	1.0080
Carbon	C	3	12.0110
Oxygen	O	3	15.9990

Elemental Composition

Hydrogen ×6

6.7%

Carbon ×3

40.0%

Oxygen ×3

53.3%

Uses

• Food acidulant
• Biodegradable plastics (PLA)
• Skin care (AHA)
• Yogurt/cheese production

Fun Facts

✦ Contrary to popular belief, lactic acid does not directly cause muscle soreness — that's from micro-tears in muscle fibers

Safety

⚠ Irritant at high concentrations

Structure

SMILES

CC(C(=O)O)O

Properties

Type: organic
State: liquid
Molar Mass: 90.08 g/mol
Density: 1.2100 g/cm³
Melting Point: 18.0 °C
Boiling Point: 122.0 °C
Solubility: Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass: 90.0317
XLogP: -0.7
TPSA: 57.5 Å²
H-Bond Donors: 2
H-Bond Acceptors: 3
Rotatable Bonds: 1
Heavy Atoms: 6
Complexity: 59.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid (C₃H₆O₃) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid.

What is the molecular weight of Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid has a molar mass of 90.08 g/mol.

What state is Lactic Acid at room temperature?

Lactic Acid is a liquid at room temperature.

Is Lactic Acid organic or inorganic?

Lactic Acid is classified as an organic compound.

What elements make up Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid (C₃H₆O₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).