The adsorption and reaction of methyl lactate (CH3CH(OH)COOCH3) is studied in ultrahigh vacuum on a Pd(1 1 1) surface using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Methyl lactate reacts at relatively low temperatures (similar to 220 K) by O-H bond scission. This intermediate can either react with hydrogen to reform methyl lactate at similar to 280-300 K or undergo p-hydride elimination to form flat-lying methyl pyruvate. This decomposes to form acetyl and methoxy carbonyl species as found previously following methyl pyruvate adsorption on Pd(1 1 1). These species predominantly react to form carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.