Methyl lactate
Agent Name
Methyl lactate
CAS Number
547-64-8
Formula
C4-H8-O3
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
2-Hydroxypropanoic acid methyl ester; Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate; Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate; Methyl alpha-hydroxypropionate; Lactic acid, methyl ester; Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester; [ChemIDplus] UN3272
Category
Esters (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Used as solvent for cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetobutyrate, cellulose acetopropionate, lacquers, and stains; Also used to make acetyl, amide, and higher ester derivatives and carbetamide (herbicide); [HSDB]
Comments
Decomposed by water; [Hawley] Mildly irritating; [HSDB] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [eChemPortal: ESIS]; See "ORGANIC SOLVENTS."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
1.85 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/m3/4h
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Esters, n.o.s." VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: