Lactic Acid formula: Overview, Questions, Preparation

This chapter has multiple topics listed below:

Acids, Bases and Salts Acid Strength Difference between Acid and Bas...Examples of Bases Zinc carbonate Zinc Nitrate Aluminium Phosphate Aspartic Acid Butyric Acid Tannic acid Uses of Folic Acid Uses of Acetic Acid Lactic Acid formula Uses of Citric Acid Magnesium Nitrate Barium Iodide Dilute Acids Magnesium Phosphate Uses of Hydrochloric Acid List of Strong Acids Butanoic Acid Sodium Chlorate Barium Carbonate Chloroacetic Acid Magnesium Bicarbonate Red Cabbage Indicator Sodium Hexametaphosphate Zinc Hydroxide Potassium Iodate Peroxydisulfuric Acid Ph of Acids and Bases Potassium Bromate Weak Acid Examples Weak Bases Magnesium Hydroxide Monosodium Glutamate Potassium Hydroxide Nitrous Acid Henderson Hasselbalch Equation Difference between Alkali and B...Properties of Bases Sodium Citrate Ammonium Phosphate Chemical Indicators Chromic Acid Perchloric Acid Uses of Sodium Hydroxide Zinc Acetate

Yamini Saini

Updated on Jun 30, 2021 04:47 IST

The formula of lactic acid, along with its composition, is given here. To note, lactic acid is an organic acid, and 2-hydroxypropanoic acid is also its IUPAC name. Lactic acid, especially in medicines and foods, has many applications. Besides that, lactic acid is also used in milk to coagulate protein, to produce plastics, etc. It is produced naturally during exertion in the muscles of the body and can be prepared by synthetic and biotechnological methods.

Table of Contents

What is acid lactic?
Applications of Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid in Class 10
Illustrated Examples
FAQs on Lactic Acid

What is acid lactic?

Lactic Acid is an organic acid with the C3H6O3 molecular formula. It is known as milk acid, too. As milk sugar (lactose) undergoes fermentation, lactic acid is the substance obtained. It can be found in cottage cheese, leban, tofu, sour milk, and koumiss. Two types of lactic acid optical isomers are Levo and Dextro. This compound is water-soluble and white in its solid-state, although it is colourless in its liquid state. As a type of calcium, the soluble salt of lactic acid may be used, such as calcium lactate. The lactic acid PH of 1 mM is around 3.51.

Chemical Formula for Lactic Acid

Lactic acid has a carbon atom that is joined along with a methyl group by a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxylic group (-COOH) (-CH3). It is known as alpha-hydroxy acid and has a molecular weight of 90.080 g/mol. Thus, the lactic acid chemical formula is represented as—

Chemical Formula of Lactic Acid	C3H6O3
Extended Chemical Formula	CH3CHOHCO2H

Applications of Lactic Acid

It is used in food and pharmaceuticals.
It is used to manufacture plastics.
In milk, it helps to coagulate protein.
In garment dyeing and leather tanning, it is used.
Lactate plays a key part in treating traumatic damage to the brain.
Lactate signals the activation of norepinephrine in the brain.

Lactic Acid in Class 10

This concept is taught under the chapter Acids, Bases and Salts. In this, you will learn about the structure, formula, and uses of lactic acid. The weightage is 3 marks in the final exam.

Illustrated Examples

What organ makes lactic acid?

In muscle cells and red blood cells, lactic acid is primarily produced. It develops as carbohydrates are broken down by the body to be used for energy when oxygen levels are poor.

Can milk help lactic acid?

The milk has helped lower blood levels of lactic acid, the agent that induces stiffness during exercise.

Why is lactic acid harmful?

Hydrogen ions are poor because they lower the pH of your muscles, decrease the efficiency of your muscles, and create the terrible feeling of fire.

FAQs on Lactic Acid

Q. What happens to the body after lactic acid?

A. If the body is low on oxygen, it has to turn glucose into energy, producing lactic acid. Muscle pain, cramps and muscle weakness may be caused by the buildup of lactic acid.

Q. Why does the build-up of lactic acid occur?

A. When the bodies don't have enough oxygen to break down glucose and glycogen, lactic acid accumulation occurs. This mechanism is also referred to as the anaerobic metabolism. For most causes of lactic acidosis, too much L-lactate is responsible.

Q. What foods are lactic acid containing?

A. Sour milk products such as yoghurt, koumiss, kefir, laban, and some cottage cheese are primarily present in lactic acid.

Q. How is lactic acid made?

A. The waste product formed during anaerobic respiration is lactic acid. Moving quickly can cause lactic acid to build up in your muscles, causing cramps. Lactic acid causes tooth decay, as well.

Q. Are bananas healthy in terms of lactic acid?

A. Bananas are high in vital muscle repair carbohydrates as well as in magnesium that helps battle the body's lactic acid build-up.