Calcium lactate

Calcium lactate

IUPAC name calcium 2-hydroxypropanoate
Other names calcium lactate 5-hydrate, calcium lactate, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid calcium salt pentahydrate
Identifiers
CAS number	814-80-2^Y
PubChem	13144
ChemSpider	12592^Y
UNII	2URQ2N32W3^Y
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES [Ca+2].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C.[O-]C(=O)C(O)C
InChI InChI=1S/2C3H6O3.Ca/c21-2(4)3(5)6;/h22,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;;+2/p-2^Y Key: MKJXYGKVIBWPFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-L^Y InChI=1/2C3H6O3.Ca/c21-2(4)3(5)6;/h22,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;;+2/p-2 Key: MKJXYGKVIBWPFZ-NUQVWONBAM
Properties
Molecular formula	C₆H₁₀CaO₆
Molar mass	218.22 g/mol
Appearance	white or off-white powder
Density	1.494 g/cm³
Melting point	240 °C
Solubility in water	7.9g/100ml at 30 °C
Solubility	very soluble in ethanol
Acidity (pK_a)	6.0-8.5
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Calcium lactate is a white crystalline salt made by the action of lactic acid on calcium carbonate. It is used in foods (as a baking powder) and given medicinally. Its E number is E327.

Calcium lactate is often found in aged cheeses. Small crystals of it precipitate out when lactic acid is converted into a less soluble form by the bacteria active during the ripening process.

In medicine, calcium lactate is most commonly used as an antacid and also to treat calcium deficiencies. Calcium lactate can be absorbed at various pHs and does not need to be taken with food for absorption for these reasons.

Calcium lactate is added to sugar-free foods to prevent tooth decay. When added to chewing gum containing xylitol, it increases the remineralization of tooth enamel.^[1] It is also added to fresh-cut fruits such as cantaloupes to keep them firm and extend their shelf life, without the bitter taste caused by calcium chloride, which can also be used for this purpose.^[2]

It is also found in some over the counter (OTC) mouth washes.

References

^ Sudaa, R.; T. Suzukia, R. Takiguchib, K. Egawab, T. Sanob, K. Hasegawa (2006). "The Effect of Adding Calcium Lactate to Xylitol Chewing Gum on remineralization of Enamel Lesions". Caries Research 40 (1): 43–46. doi:10.1159/000088905. PMID 16352880.
^ Luna-Guzman, Irene; Diane M. Barrett (2000). "Comparison of calcium chloride and calcium lactate effectiveness in maintaining shelf stability and quality of fresh-cut cantaloupes". Postharvest Biology and Technology 19: 16–72. doi:10.1016/S0925-5214(00)00079-X.