Zirconium lactate is a zirconium complex derived from lactic acid. It is used in some deodorants. It is a colourless solid. Zirconium carboxylates adopt highly complex structures and are heterogeneous compositions with the approximate formula Zr(OH)4-n(O2CCHOHCH3)n(H2O)x where 1 < n < 3. Zirconium lactate is a zirconium complex derived from lactic acid. It is used in some deodorants. It is a colourless solid. Zirconium carboxylates adopt highly complex structures and are heterogeneous compositions with the approximate formula Zr(OH)4-n(O2CCHOHCH3)n(H2O)x where 1 < n < 3. It is also used in the petroleum industry as a cross-linking agent to prepare gels for fracturing fluids, fluids whichare pumped into an oil-bearing rock formation to cause cracks in the rock and so to allow the oil to be extracted. It may be prepared by treating zirconium oxide with lactic acid. Its LD50 >10 g/kg). It is suspected of causing zirconium granulomas (a form of skin irritation) in a small number of users.