Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

CH₃CHOHCOOH + NaOH → CH₃CHOHCOONa + H₂O

Overview

Lactic acid, produced during anaerobic metabolism in muscles, reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium lactate and water. Lactic acid has a pKa of 3.86 and exists in L and D enantiomeric forms. L-lactic acid accumulation causes the burning sensation during intense exercise.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Lactic Acid C₃H₆O₃	1	(aq)
Reactant	Sodium Hydroxide NaOH	1	(aq)
Product	Water H₂O	1	(l)

Everyday Example

The muscle burn during intense exercise is caused by lactic acid accumulation. Sodium lactate is used in IV fluids (Ringer's lactate) for rehydration.

Industrial Importance

Sodium lactate is used in food preservation, in Ringer's lactate IV solution, in cosmetics as a moisturizer, and as a feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable plastics.

Properties

Type: Acid-Base
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -55.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?

The balanced equation is: CH₃CHOHCOOH + NaOH → CH₃CHOHCOONa + H₂O.

What type of reaction is Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?

Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.

Is Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?

Lactic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -55.0 kJ/mol.