Ethyl Lactate Overview Ethyl lactate (ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate) is a commercially available monobasic ester solvent. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a high vapor pressure of 1.2 mm Hg at 68°F (1.6 mbar at 20°C) and boiling point of 309°F (154°C). It may be considered a volatile organic compound (VOC) depending on your location. It is combustible, with a flash point of about 120°F (49°C), depending on the purity of the solvent. Ethyl lactate will remove silicone oils and greases, machining coolants, tapping oils (sulfur-based), lithium grease, layout inks, and fingerprints. Ethyl lactate is being tested as a possible substitute for the glycol ethers used in the semiconductor industry. Ethyl lactate can be rinsed with ethyl lactate itself, water, or alcohols. Routine safety precautions should be used, including the wearing of gloves and eye protection and adequate ventilation. A threshold limit value (TLV) has not been established for this solvent. Ethyl lactate is considered biodegradable. It may be recycled with filtration or vacuum distillation. It cannot be disposed of down the drain, but may be incinerated at an approved facility. State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 18 March 1995 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/alt.cfm?id=yl&cat=ov