Ethyl Levulinate

Ethyl levulinate is a colorless to pale yellow, transparent liquid with a mild, fruity, and slightly sweet aroma. It is an important ester derivative of levulinic acid that has attracted attention in recent years due to its potential production from the degradation of biomass-derived furfural or cellulose. It is sparingly soluble in water and miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, and oils.

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Product Introduction

Zouping Jinxing Chemical Co., Ltd. is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of ethyl levulinate in China. If you're going to wholesale bulk ethyl levulinate made in China, welcome to get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price.

Basic physical properties

Molecular weight: 144.17
Boiling point: Approx. 205–207°C (atmospheric pressure), 130–132°C / 2 kPa
Density: Approx. 1.012–1.016 g/cm³ (20°C); higher than typical fatty acid esters (due to the presence of a ketone carbonyl group)
Refractive index: n²⁰ᴅ ≈ 1.423
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (approx. 1.7 g/100 mL at 20°C); miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, and oils/fats
Flash point: Approx. 91°C (closed cup); combustible liquid (Category 4); significantly safer than methyl acetate or ethyl acetate
Vapor pressure: Very low at 20°C (<0.1 kPa); virtually non-volatile

Primary Uses

Green solvent: Ethyl O-acetyl-L-lactate exhibits strong solvency for resins, nitrocellulose, and certain polymers; possesses good biodegradability; and is derived from "bio-based platform compounds."
Fragrances/Flavors: Modifier for fruity and tobacco notes (used in small quantities).
Organic synthesis intermediate: Used in the production of pyrrolidones, pharmaceuticals (e.g., side chains for certain anti-inflammatory drugs), agrochemicals, and plasticizers.
Fuel additive: Investigated as an oxygenated diesel additive (to promote combustion and reduce smoke), though not yet widely commercialized.
Extractant: Used for extracting phenols and organic acids.

Safety and Physiology

Toxicity: Low toxicity. Oral LD₅₀ in rats ≈ 3.2 g/kg; causes mild irritation to skin and mucous membranes; no cumulative toxicity.
Ecology: Ethyl O-acetyl-L-lactate is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions and exhibits low aquatic toxicity.
Storage and Transport: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area; keep away from strong oxidizers and strong bases (ester groups undergo hydrolysis in the presence of strong bases); classified as a combustible material despite its high flash point.

FAQ

Q: What is the relationship with "ethyl lactate"?

A: Ethyl lactate (C₅H₁₀O₃; CAS 97-64-3 for the racemic form / 687-47-8 for the L-isomer) is the parent compound; acetyl-L-ethyl lactate is the product of its hydroxy-acetylation (involving the addition of a CH₃CO group and the loss of an H atom). Regarding odor: Ethyl lactate possesses a creamy or fruity aroma; following acetylation, the odor weakens and shifts toward a waxy ester note, rendering it unsuitable for use as a fragrance ingredient.

Q: What should be considered when making a purchase?

A: Confirm the configuration: Clearly specify "L," "(S)," or "levorotatory"-do not simply write "ethyl lactate acetate" (as this could be confused with the racemic form). Request the COA (covering purity, ee value, moisture content, and residual solvents) and the SDS. Industrial grade is sufficient; GMP or FCC grades are required only for pharmaceutical regulatory filings (though note that FCC standards do not cover the acetate derivative).

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