Methyl lactate

Methyl lactate, also known as lactic acid methyl ester, is a monobasic ester formed from lactic acid and methanol, commonly used as a solvent. Methyl lactate belongs to the lactate ester group of compounds that are considered nontoxic and highly and readily biodegradable.

Methyl lactate is a colorless clear liquid, completely miscible with water and most organic liquids. It is considered as a green solvent as it is easily biodegradable. It is a solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulase acetate, cellulase acetobutyrote and cellulase acetaprapionate. It is used in the manufacture of lacquers and dopes where it contributes high tolerance for diluents, good flaw and blush resistance.

Methyl lactate hydrolyzes in the presence of water and acids or bases into lactic acid and methanol.