Ethyl D-lactate is an ester of D-lactic acid and ethanol. It is a chiral compound with a specific optical rotation, distinguishing it from its L-enantiomer and the racemic mixture. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic, mild, fruity odor. Its primary industrial application is as a flavoring agent and fragrance ingredient in the food and cosmetic industries. The chiral nature of D-lactate esters can impart specific sensory profiles. It is also utilized as a green solvent in various chemical processes due to its biodegradability and low toxicity. Furthermore, it serves as a versatile chiral building block in organic synthesis, particularly for the preparation of other fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals where stereochemistry is crucial. The compound is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a flavoring substance. It is also used in the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) precursors, contributing to the production of biodegradable polymers.