Ethyl maltol
Description
Ethyl maltol (CAS 4940-11-8), also marketed as Veltol Plus and designated E637, is a synthetic flavour enhancer approximately four to six times more potent than maltol. It amplifies and rounds out sweet, fruity, and caramellic notes in food and beverage formulations.
This potent ingredient allows manufacturers to reduce sugar or other flavouring inputs without sacrificing the overall taste profile. In confectionery, bakery, and soft drink production, it boosts perceived sweetness and extends flavour longevity at use levels typically below 50 ppm.
Tobacco manufacturers incorporate it to smooth harshness and add a sweet, creamy character to blended products. In personal care and cosmetics, it functions as a fragrance modifier that enhances vanilla, fruity, and gourmand scent profiles in perfumes and lotions.
The compound is also utilized in lip products to improve the sensory experience. Its chelating behaviour supports oxidative stability in fat-containing formulations, effectively reducing the development of rancidity during the product shelf life.
This chemical is supplied as a white crystalline powder for easy integration into various production processes. Food-grade material conforming to FCC and purity specifications is the standard commercial form for flavour and food applications.
Technical-grade material is available for non-food industrial use where high purity is not the primary requirement. Bulk supply is typically offered in fibre drums or multi-layer bags to ensure product integrity during transport and storage.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 91.020 °C |
| Boiling Point | 196.62°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.1624 (rough estimate) |
| Color | White to Pale Yellow |
| Odor | at 5.00 % in benzyl alcohol. sweet caramel jam strawberry cotton candy |
| Form | neat |
| Water Solubility | 9.345g/L at 24℃ |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.2Pa at 24℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.4850 (estimate) |
| Log P | 2.9 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29329990 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one|2-Ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone|Veltol plus|3-Hydroxy-2-ethyl-4-pyrone|2-ethyl-3-hydroxypyran-4-one|2-Ethylpyromeconic acid|4H-PYRAN-4-ONE, 2-ETHYL-3-HYDROXY-|3-Hydroxy-2-ethyl-1,4-pyrone|E637
Related Products
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.