Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Acetic acid from lactic acid

Adas - 13-4-2013 at 12:10

Hello guys!

I've discovered an interesting reaction this morning and since I didn't find it on Google I decided to post it here as it might be of some interest.

I've combined impure FeSO4 solution with 80% food-grade lactic acid and added 30% H2O2. This started bubbling so violently, that I had to transport the test-tube into the sink. After the reaction, there were maybe just 2 drops of the liquid left in the test-tube! And acetic acid smell everywhere. :D

I already knew that KMnO4 can oxidize lactic acid into acetaldehyde, but Fenton's reagent is probably even stronger oxidizer, non-selective.

You can also try it, it is very simple and reasonably safe, just don't add the peroxide all at once like I did! :P