lactide

chemical compound

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June 30, 2026

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Lactide is a crystalline dilactone with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₄. It is formed from two molecules of lactic acid through a self-esterification process. Lactides are a type of lactone, which are cyclic organic esters. Lactones are typically created when a carboxylic acid group within a molecule reacts with a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom in the same molecule. The gamma- and delta-lactones, which have five- and six-membered rings respectively, are the most common types. They are formed by the loss of water from corresponding hydroxy acids and can often occur spontaneously, even in water.12

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carboxylic acid
Hydroxy and keto acids
…molecules of the acid) called lactides, whereas the 3- and 4-hydroxy acids undergo intramolecular esterification to give cyclic esters called lactones. These reactions take place so readily, even without heating, that in most cases the only way to keep these kinds of hydroxy acids from forming cyclic esters is to…
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…molecules of the acid) called lactides, whereas the 3- and 4-hydroxy acids undergo intramolecular esterification to give cyclic esters called lactones. These reactions take place so readily, even without heating, that in most cases the only way to keep these kinds of hydroxy acids from forming cyclic esters is to…
Read More