Development of Lactic Acid

Lactic acid (IUPAC scientific name: 2-hydroxypropionic acid) is a compound that plays a role in a variety of biochemical processes. It is a carboxylic acid with the molecular formula C3H6O3. It is a carboxylic acid containing a hydroxyl group and is therefore an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). In aqueous solution its carboxyl group releases a proton and the lactate ion CH3CHOHCOO is produced. during fermentation the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase converts pyruvate to levulinic acid. Lactic acid is continuously produced during general metabolism and exercise, but its concentration does not generally rise.

 

The lactic acid is be widely used in many fields as following, while is not limited within them.

1.Corrosion and preservation: Lactic acid has strong corrosion and preservation effects, and can be used in fruit wine, beverages, meat, food, pastry making, vegetable pickling and canning, grain processing, fruit storage, pH adjustment, antibacterial, prolonging shelf life, flavoring, maintaining food color, improving product quality, etc.

2.anti-microbial: natural lactic acid is a natural and inherent component of dairy products, it has the taste of dairy products and good anti-microbial effect, has been widely used in the blending of yogurt cheese, ice cream and other foods, becoming a popular dairy acidifier.

3.As regulator and synthesizer: lactic acid is used as pH regulator and synthesizer in the coating and ink industry, and is the preferred raw material for degrading new material PLA.

4.cleaning and descaling: used for washing and cleaning products than the traditional organic descaling agent better performance, lactic acid has anti-microbial, when it is used with other anti-microbial agents such as ethanol, can produce a synergistic effect. So it can be used in many descaling products.

5.as a moisturizer: lactic acid can be used as a moisturizer in a variety of bath and toiletries. It can be used as pH regulator in liquid soaps, soaps and shampoos. Lactic acid added to bar soap reduces water loss during storage, thus preventing dryness and cracking of the soap.

With the further growth of people’s demand for health, lactic acid food and beverages are bound to become more and more popular! In addition, the introduction of relevant stimulus policies and the improvement of supporting facilities will lead to a great increase in the consumption of PLA, which will boost the development of the lactic acid industry! In short, the future of the lactic acid industry is looking good!

Lactate esters are non-toxic, soluble and easily recoverable organic solvents and are therefore widely used in the production of fragrances, synthetic resin coatings, adhesives, printing inks, etc., as well as in oil pipeline cleaning and electronic industry cleaning. At present, its industrial production uses concentrated sulphuric acid as a catalyst, non-concentrated sulphuric acid catalyzed esterification synthesis of lactic acid esters, which has received increasing attention from chemists in recent years.