Maltol

Maltol
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one
Other names
  • Larixinic acid
  • Palatone
  • Veltol
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.884 Edit this at Wikidata
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C6H6O3/c1-4-6(8)5(7)2-3-9-4/h2-3,8H,1H3 checkY
    Key: XPCTZQVDEJYUGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/C6H6O3/c1-4-6(8)5(7)2-3-9-4/h2-3,8H,1H3
    Key: XPCTZQVDEJYUGT-UHFFFAOYAH
  • O=C1C=COC(C)=C1O
Properties
C6H6O3
Molar mass 126.111 g·mol−1
Density 1.348 g/cm3
Melting point 161 to 162 °C (322 to 324 °F; 434 to 435 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Maltol is a naturally occurring organic compound that is used primarily as a flavor enhancer. It is found in nature in the bark of larch trees and in the needles of pine trees, and is produced during the roasting of malt (from which it gets its name) and in the baking of bread. It has the odor of caramel and is used to impart a pleasant aroma to foods and fragrances.

It is used as a flavor enhancer, is designated in the U.S. as INS number 636, and is known in the European E number food additive series as E636.