What type of reaction does lactic acid undergo in solution?

Lactic acid primarily undergoes hydrolysis in a solution. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction involving the breaking down of a compound due to its reaction with water. In the case of lactic acid, which is a carboxylic acid, it can dissociate in an aqueous environment to release hydrogen ions (H⁺), and thus can influence the acidity of the solution.

This process is significant in biological systems, as lactic acid is produced during anaerobic respiration in muscles, and its hydrolysis plays a role in regulating pH levels in the body. The presence of water is crucial for this reaction, enabling the acid to dissociate and interact with other molecules in the solution effectively.

Other types of reactions such as oxidation or dehydration do not correctly describe the interactions of lactic acid in solution, as they involve different processes that do not occur under typical conditions of aqueous solutions for lactic acid. Proto-dissociation is not a standard term used in this context, and thus does not appropriately define the behavior of lactic acid in solution.