DL-Lactic acid SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: DL-Lactic acid
CAS Number: 50-21-5
PubChem CID: 612
Molecular formula: C3H6O3
Molecular weight: 90.08 g/mol
IUPAC name: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eye contact: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give nothing to drink. Refer for medical attention .

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.

5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.

5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.
Flash point: 113 °C (235 °F) - closed cup

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.

6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution such as disodium carbonate. Then wash away with plenty of water.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with weak alkaline solution, e.g. disodium carbonate. Then wash away with plenty of water.
SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated for lactic acid: Concentration process: Biological treatment.
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)
Separated from strong bases.
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic.
Separated from strong bases.
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Separated from strong bases.
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic.
Separated from strong bases.
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]
Store in original container. Keep upright to prevent leakage.

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Lactic acid appears as a colorless to yellow odorless syrupy liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make cultured dairy products, as a food preservative, and to make chemicals.
b) Odor: Odorless
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: The pH of a 10 wt% aqueous solution of lactic acid is 1.75
e) Melting point/freezing point: 16.8 °C
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: 122 °C at 15 mm Hg
g) Flash point: 113 °C (235 °F) - closed cup
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: 0.08 [mmHg]
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: 1.2 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
n) Water solubility: Completely soluble in water
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): -0.7
p) Auto-ignition temperature: No data available
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: Viscosities of aqueous lactic acid at 25 °C: 1.042 mPa s (6.29 wt%), 1.752 mPa s (25.02 wt%), 4.68 mPa s (54.94 wt%), 36.9 mPa s (88.60 wt%)
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available

9.2 Other information
Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA): 57.5 Ų
Complexity: 59

11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314).
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
Causes serious eye damage (H318).
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
No data available.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive toxicity:
No data available.
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
No data available.
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
Not listed by IARC.
Exposure routes:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Shortness of breath.
Redness. Pain.
Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Sore throat. Burning sensation. Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Vomiting.
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
LC50; Species: Moina micrura (Water Flea) length 0.09 mm and breadth 0.06 mm; Conditions: freshwater, renewal; Concentration: 329120 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 315810-342430 ug/L) /88% purity/
LC50; Species: Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique Tilapia) adult, male and female, weight 11.83 g; Conditions: freshwater, renewal; Concentration: 257730 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 210540-315810 ug/L) /88% purity/
LC50; Species: Branchiura sowerbyi (Oligochaete) weight 0.002 g, length 20 mm; Conditions: freshwater, renewal; Concentration: 50820 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 48400-53240 ug/L) /88% purity/
LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus sp (Trout); Concentration: 100 mg/L for 18 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/
/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Feeding of 10% lactic acid /to birds/ has been blamed for the development of polyneuritic crises resembling B1 deficiency on diets rich in carbohydrates, proteins or fats.
Lactic acid's production and use as an acidulant, in cultured dairy products, in chemicals (salts, plasticizers, adhesives, pharmaceuticals), as a mordant in dyeing wool, in general-purpose food additive, in the manufacture of lactates, in dehairing, plumping, and decalcifying hides, and as a solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Lactic acid is a principal metabolic intermediate in most living organisms and also occurs in sour milk, foods, and some higher plants. If released to air,

12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): -0.7
Low potential for bioaccumulation (Log P < 3).

12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects
No other adverse ecological effects identified.

13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.

14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).

14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (research quantities).
DOT label: Corrosive

14.4 Packing group
Not applicable (not regulated as dangerous goods in typical research quantities).

14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: No (not classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).

14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Registered (REACH Active)

SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard

Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.

California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.

Other regulatory listings:
- The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals: Chemical: Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
- EFSA Legal Basis: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (amended)
- Status Regulation (EC): 2004/129/EC
- FIFRA Requirements: Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a plant growth regulator in or on all raw agricultural commodities.
Residues of lactic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as i
- FDA Requirements: Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Drug products containing certain active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses. A number of active ingredients have been present in OTC drug products for various uses, as described below. Ho

15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.

Revision Date: 2026/09/08
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.