Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate

Synonym(s):D-Lactic acid methyl ester;Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate

CAS NO.：17392-83-5
Empirical Formula: C4H8O3
Molecular Weight: 104.1
MDL number: MFCD00004517
EINECS: 241-420-6
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:22:29

What is Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate?

Chemical properties

Colorless to light yellow liqui

The Uses of Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate

(+)-Methyl D-lactate can be used as a starting material in the asymmetric preparation of:

Neomethymycin, a macrolide which contains 12-membered macrolactone that is used as a potent biological agent.
PM-toxin A.

It can also be used as a chiral pool along with D-(-)-tartaric acid in the stereoselective total synthesis of separacenes A and B via Trost-Rychnovsky alkyne rearrangement, Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination as well as Corey-Bakshi-Shibata reaction.

Definition

ChEBI: A methyl lactate that has R configuration.

General Description

This compound has benign qualities and is biodegradable, water miscible, and functions as a versatile solvent for CA membrane preparation. This is also used as an intermediate for the production of other chemicals, polymers, and derivatives. Thus this product has been enhanced for Safer solvents and auxiliaries.

Properties of Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate

Boiling point:	144-145 °C(lit.)
alpha	8.5 º (c=neat)
Density	1.09 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.413(lit.)
Flash point:	121 °F
storage temp.	Inert atmosphere,2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform, Ethyl Acetate (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
pka	13.07±0.20(Predicted)
form	Liquid
color	Clear colorless
optical activity	[α]21/D +8.4°, neat
Water Solubility	miscible, hydrolyses
Merck	14,6094
CAS DataBase Reference	17392-83-5(CAS DataBase Reference)

Safety information for Methyl (R)-(+)-lactate

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.