Lactic acid is an
organic compound with the formula CH
3CH(OH)CO
2H. It is a white, water-soluble solid or clear liquid that is produced both naturally and synthetically. With a
hydroxyl group adjacent to the
carboxyl group, lactic acid is classified as an
alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). In the form of its
conjugate base called lactate, it plays a role in several
biochemical processes.