Butyl lactate
Synonyms
n-Butyl lactate;
Lactic acid, butyl ester;
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, butyl ester;
FEMA No. 2205;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Ester
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Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 138-22-7
EINECS: 205-316-4
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C7H14O3
Molecular Weight: 146.18
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless to pale yellow liquid.
Solubility soluble in water. Soluble in ethanol.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, g/L |
38.46 (20°C)[1] |
Stability stable. Under strong acid or strong alkali condition, easily hydrolyzed.
Risk Liquid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
rat oral LD50 |
12000mg/kg[2] |
|
rat subcutaneous LD50 |
>5000mg/kg[2] |
|
rabbit subcutaneous LD50 |
>5000mg/kg[2] |
|
rabbit oral LD50 |
>5000mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LDLo |
11000mg/kg[2] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, dispersing, emulsifying, solubilizing abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as solvent. For example, used in plastics, resins, perfume, dyes.
2, Personal care products
Solvent, masking agent in personal care products.
3, Industrial cleaning
Cleansing agent in industrial cleaning.
4, Food
Use as food additive (perfume).
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 138-22-7, n-Butyl lactate
[2]: ChemIDplus. 138-22-7, n-Butyl lactate
Update: 20141024(1); 20200601(2);