Vibrational spectra of lactic acid and lactates

Abstract The Raman and IR spectra of lactic acid and sodium lactate in aqueous solution and methyl lactate as a pure liquid were recorded from 3600 to 100 cm −1 . Vibrational assignments are proposed for the three compounds. The effects of hydrogen bonding on the ΔOH vibrations of the hydroxyl alcohol group were studied and the results suggest both inter‐ and intra‐molecular hydrogen‐bonded association.