L(-)-Lactide is an optically active cyclic diester of lactic acid used as a monomer for the synthesis of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and related lactide copolymers. Its cyclic ester structure enables ring-opening polymerization to form aliphatic polyester chains.
As an enantiomerically defined lactide monomer, L(-)-Lactide is useful in research where polymer stereochemistry and microstructure are important. The crystallinity and resulting properties of polylactide materials depend on factors including stereochemical composition, molecular weight, polymerization conditions, and processing history.
Key Properties
- Product: L(-)-Lactide
- Catalog number: 05749
- CAS Number: 4511-42-6
- Chemical purity: ≥ 99.5%
- Molecular formula: C6H8O4
- Molecular weight: 144.1 g/mol
- Synonym: 3,6-Dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2,5-dione
- Melting point: 95-97°C
Applications
Poly(L-lactide) Synthesis
Used as a monomer for the preparation of poly(L-lactide) through ring-opening polymerization. PLLA is a stereoregular member of the polylactide family of aliphatic polyesters.
Lactide Copolymer Research
May be incorporated into copolymer systems with other cyclic ester monomers to study and control polymer composition, architecture, thermal behavior, and degradation characteristics.
Polymerization Studies
Suitable for research involving lactide ring-opening polymerization, including evaluation of initiators, catalysts, reaction conditions, molecular-weight control, and polymer stereochemistry.
Degradable Polyester Materials Research
Used in research involving polylactide-based and related degradable polyester materials where control of monomer identity and stereochemistry is important to the resulting polymer structure.
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C
- Use appropriate laboratory gloves during handling
- Keep the container securely closed when not in use
- Follow the current Safety Data Sheet and laboratory procedures for handling an irritant
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
FAQ
Click a question to expand.
1. What is L(-)-Lactide?
L(-)-Lactide is the optically active (3S,6S) stereoisomer of lactide, a cyclic diester of lactic acid. It is commonly used as a monomer for preparing poly(L-lactide) and related copolymers.
2. What is the molecular weight of L-Lactide?
L(-)-Lactide has a molecular weight of approximately 144.1 g/mol and the molecular formula C6H8O4.
3. What is L-Lactide used for?
L(-)-Lactide is primarily used as a monomer in polymer synthesis, particularly for poly(L-lactide), lactide copolymers, and research involving ring-opening polymerization and degradable polyester materials.
4. How is L-Lactide polymerized?
Lactide is commonly converted to polylactide through ring-opening polymerization. Polymer molecular weight, architecture, and stereochemical characteristics depend on the initiator or catalyst system and the polymerization conditions used.
5. Is L-Lactide the same as PLA?
No. L(-)-Lactide is a cyclic monomer. Poly(L-lactide), or PLLA, is the polymer produced when L-lactide units are joined through polymerization.
6. What is the structure of L-Lactide?
L(-)-Lactide is a six-membered cyclic diester with the molecular formula C6H8O4. Its stereochemical designation is (3S,6S)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione.
7. What is the melting point of Polysciences L(-)-Lactide?
Polysciences specifies a melting point of 95-97°C for Cat. 05749.
8. How should L(-)-Lactide be stored?
Polysciences specifies storage at -20°C for Cat. 05749. Follow the current product documentation and Safety Data Sheet for complete handling and storage requirements.
Safety & Documentation
Polysciences classifies L(-)-Lactide, Cat. 05749, as an irritant. Wear appropriate laboratory gloves and consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, and applicable laboratory procedures before handling.
