Flavors & Fragrances
REACH
Maltol
CAS Number
118-71-8
EC Number
204-271-8
FEMA Number
FEMA 2656
What is Maltol?
Maltol (CAS 118-71-8), also sold as Palatone and Vetol and approved as E636, is a naturally derived flavor compound used to enhance and round out sweet, caramel, and baked-good profiles.
Where is Maltol used?
- Confectionery, bakery and dairy: reinforces cooked-sugar and vanilla notes
- Low-calorie and functional drinks: smooths harsh or artificial aftertastes
- Personal care: fragrance modifier and antioxidant stabilizer in perfumes, lotions and creams
- Cosmetics: chelating agent that protects product stability
- At low concentrations it intensifies perceived sweetness, allowing formulators to reduce sugar or artificial sweetener usage.
Good to know: By binding free metal ions, it helps maintain the shelf life of complex chemical mixtures.
Commercial specifications
- USP and BP grades for tighter purity controls and pharmaceutical compliance
- Packaging from kilogram quantities up to bulk sacks
Other Names (Synonyms)
Vetol|Palatone|larixic acid|4H-Pyran-4-one, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-|3-hydroxy-2-methylpyran-4-one|3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyranone|2-Methyl pyromeconic acid|3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone|E636
What are the physical properties of Maltol?
Melting Point 161.5 °C
Boiling Point 140-150 °C @ Press: 20 Torr
Density 0.990 g/cm³
Flash Point 198 °F
Appearance white crystalline powder
Color Clear colorless
Odor at 5.00 % in benzyl alcohol. sweet caramel cotton candy jam fruity baked bread
Form Liquid
Water Solubility 1.2 g/100 mL (25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 0.15Pa at 24℃
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.541
pH 5.3 (0.5g/l, H2O)
Log P 2.3 at 25℃
How is Maltol classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Maltol?
HS Code 29329995
UN Number 3334
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 3