etyylilaktaatti

Etyylilaktaatti, known in English as ethyl lactate, is a clear, colorless liquid with a faint odor that is produced by the esterification of lactic acid with ethanol. Its chemical formula is C5H10O3, and it exists as the (R)-2-hydroxypropyl ester of lactic acid. The ester is formed by reacting lactic acid with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or a bifunctional enzyme like lipase, producing ethyl lactate and water. Commercial production typically uses crude lactic acid derived from fermentation of carbohydrates, and ethanol is supplied either as a petrochemical base or from bioethanol sources.

Etyylilaktaatti is valued for its relatively low toxicity, high biodegradability, and low environmental persistence, making it a popular alternative to more hazardous solvents such as acetone or toluene. Its solvency properties are suitable for a range of applications, including degreasing, cleaning of electronic components, and as a feedstock in the production of polymers and plasticizers. It is also used as a flavoring agent and solvent in the food and beverage industry, particularly in brewing and winemaking processes, where it helps extract aromatic compounds without leaving harmful residues.

In the chemical laboratory, ethyl lactate is often used as a green solvent for extraction, chromatography, and as a diluent in analytical techniques like gas chromatography. Its moderate polarity and moderate boiling point (approximately 130 °C) allow it to be easily removed by distillation or evaporation. Regulations regarding its handling stress that, although it is generally recognized as safe, it should be used in well-ventilated areas and stored away from strong oxidizers and strong acids.