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Flavor enhancers

Maltol

Also known as 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone, Larixinic acid

CAS 118-71-8Formula C6H6O3Molar mass 126.11 g/molEC 204-271-8
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 106 suppliers listed
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Maltol chemical structure, C6H6O3, CAS 118-71-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Monoclinic prisms from chloroform, orthorhombic bypyramidal crystals + monoclinic prisms…
Melting point
161.5 °C
Boiling point
93 °C
Solubility
In water, 10900 mg/L at 15 °C
HS code
293299
Category
Flavor enhancers
Illustrative photo, closed white HDPE bottles and amber jars on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Maltol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone is a member of 4-pyranones. It has a role as a metabolite.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3-hydroxy-2-methylpyran-4-one
CAS number
118-71-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
204-271-8
Molecular formula
C6H6O3
UNII
3A9RD92BS4
MDL number
MFCD00006578
INCI name
MALTOL
InChIKey
XPCTZQVDEJYUGT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H6O3/c1-4-6(8)5(7)2-3-9-4/h2-3,8H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC1=C(C(=O)C=CO1)O

Synonyms

  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone
  • Larixinic acid
  • Palatone
  • Larixic acid
  • Talmon
  • Vetol
  • Veltol
  • Corps praline
  • 4H-Pyran-4-one, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-
  • 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyran-4-one
  • 2-Methyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone
  • 2-Methyl pyromeconic acid
  • 2-Methylpyromeconic acid
  • 2-Methyl-3-hydroxypyrone
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-gamma-pyrone
  • 2-Methyl-3-oxy-gamma-pyrone
  • Ins no.636
  • Ins-636
  • Laxarinic Acid
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-pyran-4-one
  • Maltol (natural)
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methylpyrone
  • 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyranone
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyranone
Show all 32 synonyms
  • 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-pyrone
  • 5-Hydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one
  • Methylmaltol
  • methyl maltol
  • Laricinic acid
  • Maltol (Standard)
  • Deferiprone Impurity B

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Monoclinic prisms from chloroform, orthorhombic bypyramidal crystals + monoclinic prisms from 50% alcoholexp.
Odour
Fragrant, caramel-like odorexp.
Taste
Taste characteristics at 200.00 ppm: Sweet, caramellic, cotton candy with fruity, jammy strawberry nuanceexp.
Melting point
161.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
93 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 10900 mg/L at 15 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
3.26 × 10⁻⁴ mm Hg at 25 °C (extrapolated from reduced pressure boiling point)exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
126.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
126.0317 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.65calc.
Topological polar surface area
50.44 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
9calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.17calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=c1ccocc1

O=c1ccocc1

1 ring, 7 atoms, the 4H-Pyran-4-one ring system.

339 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Maltol suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 106 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

106 suppliers in 20 countries

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Maltol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Flavoring agent, to impart "freshly baked" odor and flavor to breads and cakes.

Reported uses (ppm):

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#8335].

Industrial uses: Fragrance, Flavoring and nutrient.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name MALTOL(fragrance, tonic)

Roles

  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Deodorizer
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Humectant
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified

Cosmetic functions

  • Fragrance
  • Tonic

How it is made

By alkaline hydrolysis of streptomycin salts, also from piperdine to pyromeconic acid and subsequent methylation at the 2 position.

It is produced when cellulose or starch is heated and is a constituent of wood tar oils. It forms crystals (mp 162 -164 °C) with a caramel-like odor, reminiscent of freshly baked cakes. Maltol can be produced synthetically starting from kojic acid or isolated from beechwood tar or extracts of needles from the genus Abies. Commercially available extracts from Abies balsamea needles, which are also used as flavor and fragrance materials, usually contain 3-8% maltol.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Maltol is traded under.

HS 2932.99Indicative HS code

Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other

World exports in 2024
$3.81B
+10.3% vs 2023, imports $7.05B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China28.9%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported12.7%
  3. Germany7.8%
Top importers
  1. United States49.7%
  2. China11.9%
  3. India * partner reported3.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Maltol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Maltol, based on the data on this page

What is Maltol?

3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone is a member of 4-pyranones. It has a role as a metabolite.

What is the CAS number of Maltol?

The CAS registry number of Maltol is 118-71-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Maltol?

The molecular formula of Maltol is C6H6O3 and its molar mass is 126.11 g/mol.

What is Maltol used for?

Flavoring agent, to impart "freshly baked" odor and flavor to breads and cakes. Reported uses (ppm): Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#8335]. Industrial uses: Fragrance, Flavoring and nutrient. Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Is Maltol hazardous?

Maltol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Maltol?

Maltol is usually classified under HS code 293299 (Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Maltol?

CompoundList lists 106 suppliers of Maltol in China, United States, India, Germany and 16 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Maltol in India?

10 suppliers in India list Maltol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Maltol?

Suppliers quote Maltol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Maltol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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