Configuration of lactic acid
Chemistry
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Lactic acid has the chemical formula C₃H₆O₃. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it exists as two stereoisomers (enantiomers):
- L-(+)-lactic acid (also known as (S)-lactic acid)
- D-(-)-lactic acid (also known as (R)-lactic acid)
The structure of lactic acid is:
CH₃–CH(OH)–COOH
- The central carbon atom (the alpha-carbon) is bonded to a methyl group (CH₃), a hydroxyl group (OH), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a hydrogen atom (H).
- Because this central carbon is bonded to four different groups, it is a chiral center.
In biological systems, L-(+)-lactic acid is the predominant form.
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