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.