In 2023–2024, the leading exporters of lactic acid were China, the United States, and Germany, collectively accounting for over 60% of global export value, while major importers included South Korea, Mexico, and Belgium—reflecting strong demand from food, pharmaceutical, and bioplastics sectors. Trade volumes have remained relatively stable year-on-year, with modest growth in imports by Southeast Asian and Latin American countries, coinciding with steady upward pressure on lactic acid prices amid tightening supply chains and rising feedstock costs.
Lactic acid (CAS 50-21-5) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild, sour odor; it is hygroscopic, miscible with water and polar organic solvents, and has a melting point of 16–18 °C and a boiling point of approximately 122 °C at 15 mmHg. It is an alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid and a chiral organic chemical, commonly supplied as a racemic mixture or as enantiomerically pure L-(+)- or D-(−)-forms. Lactic acid serves as a key monomer in the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polyester used in packaging, textiles, and medical devices. It is also employed as an acidulant and preservative in food and beverages, a pH adjuster in cosmetics and personal care products, and a building block for lactate esters used as green solvents and plasticizers.
Prostaglandin E1 analogue
Lactic acid consists of a mixture of 2-hydroxypropionic acid, itscondensation products, such as lactoyllactic acid and otherpolylactic acids, and water. It is usually in the form of the racemate,(RS)-lactic acid, but in some cases the (S)-(+)-isomer is predominant.Lactic acid is a practically odorless, colorless or slightly yellowcolored,viscous, hygroscopic, nonvolatile liquid.
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals. See more about what is Lactic acid and Lactic acid SDS information.
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