Name: Ethyl Maltol
Cas: 4940-11-8
Purity: 99%
MOQ: 1KG
Chemical Structure
Basic Info
Ethyl Maltol (CAS Number: 4940-11-8) is a synthetic organic compound widely recognized as a highly potent flavor enhancer and aroma modifier. As a homologue of maltol, Ethyl Maltol possesses an olfactory strength roughly four to six times greater than that of maltol itself. It exists as a white, free-flowing crystalline powder with a characteristic cotton-candy and caramelized sugar aroma.
Synthesized through precise organic processing, Ethyl Maltol acts as a multi-functional flavor modifier across food, beverage, confectionery, and fragrance industries. In food applications, it not only imparts a warm, sweet, fruity undertone but also enhances rich, mouthwatering sensations while rounding off harsh or undesirable off-flavors. Due to its exceptional purity, low effective dosage, and strong heat stability during processing, Ethyl Maltol remains an indispensable raw material for flavorists and product development engineers globally.
| Melting point | 85-95 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 196.62°C (rough estimate) |
| density | 1.1624 (rough estimate) |
| vapor pressure | 0.2Pa at 24℃ |
| refractive index | 1.4850 (estimate) |
| FEMA | 3487 | ETHYL MALTOL |
| storage temp. | 2-8°C |
| solubility | Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly) |
| pka | 8.38±0.10(Predicted) |
| form | Solid |
| color | White to Pale Yellow |
| Odor | at 5.00 % in benzyl alcohol. sweet caramel jam strawberry cotton candy |
| Odor Type | caramellic |
| biological source | synthetic |
| Water Solubility | 9.345g/L at 24℃ |
Certifications & Compliance
To fulfill strict regulatory standards across global food and flavor markets, our Ethyl Maltol processing and packaging facilities conform to internationally recognized food safety and quality management benchmarks:
ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System approval covering synthesis, purification, handling, and distribution.
ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000: Food Safety Management protocols maintaining rigorous cross-contamination control and complete batch traceability.
HACCP Certified: Comprehensive Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system applied throughout every stage of raw material verification and packaging.
Kosher & Halal Certified: Compliance verified by recognized authorities for worldwide religious dietary suitability.
Regulatory Standard Compliance: Fully aligned with USP (United States Pharmacopeia), FCC (Food Chemicals Codex), European Union additive standards (E637), and relevant global regulations.
Each batch of Ethyl Maltol undergoes rigorous laboratory testing prior to warehouse release. Our internal Quality Control (QC) laboratory utilizes advanced analytical instrumentation to ensure physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters consistently match strict international specifications.
Analytical Inspection Matrix (Typical Specs for Crystalline Powder)
| Test Parameter | Internal Specification Standard | Test Method / Equipment |
| Assay (Purity) | ≥ 99.5% (Dry Basis) | Gas Chromatography (GC) / HPLC |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder / Needle-like Crystals | Visual Inspection |
| Melting Point | 89.0°C – 92.0°C | Capillary Melting Point Apparatus |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% | Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (105°C) |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% | High-Temperature Muffle Furnace |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-OES / AAS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Solubility (in Water/Ethanol) | Clear, transparent solution without visible particles | Solvent Dissolution Test |
| Microbiological Limits | Total Plate Count < 1000 CFU/g, Salmonella Negative | Standard Microbiological Assay |
Note: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) accompany all shipments.
A. Food, Beverage & Confectionery Processing
Flavor Amplification: Intensifies natural fruit, chocolate, vanilla, and caramel profiles in baked goods, candies, jellies, and carbonated beverages.
Off-Flavor Masking: Effectively suppresses lingering bitterness, astringency, or metallic notes often associated with artificial sweeteners or soy protein isolates.
Sugar Reduction Support: Enhances perceived sweetness in low-sugar or sugar-free formulations without adding extra caloric load.
B. Flavors, Fragrances & Tobacco Formulations
Aroma Fixative: Functions as a top-note booster and fragrance fixative in fine perfumes, personal care products, and scented candles.
Tobacco Industry: Adds a subtle sweet undertone and reduces harshness in specialty tobacco blends and vapor liquid formulations.
C. Pharmaceutical & Health Formulations
Taste-Masking Agent: Enhances palatability in liquid syrups, chewable tablets, and oral healthcare products by softening medicinal or bitter active ingredients.
Product Packaging
Q1: What is the key functional difference between Maltol and Ethyl Maltol? A1: While both compounds act as effective sweet flavor modifiers, Ethyl Maltol is roughly four to six times more potent than standard Maltol. Consequently, formulators require significantly smaller dosages of Ethyl Maltol to achieve comparable aroma and flavor enhancement.
Q2: What is the typical recommended dosage for Ethyl Maltol in food products? A2: In most food and beverage applications, effective usage ranges between 1 ppm and 50 ppm (0.0001% to 0.005% by weight). Because of its high potency, excessive usage can overwhelm the intended flavor profile. Formulators are advised to conduct bench-scale trials to determine optimal addition rates.
Q3: How should Ethyl Maltol be stored to maintain long-term stability? A3: Ethyl Maltol should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse away from direct sunlight, moisture, and incompatible oxidizing agents. Under recommended storage conditions, the product maintains a shelf life of 24 months from the manufacturing date.
Q4: Is Ethyl Maltol soluble in liquid flavor carrier bases? A4: Yes. Ethyl Maltol demonstrates good solubility in ethanol, propylene glycol (PG), and various organic solvents commonly used in flavor compounding, as well as moderate solubility in water.
Q5: Can you provide documentation support for regulatory audit requirements? A5: Absolutely. We provide complete regulatory support packages including Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Allergen Statements, Kosher/Halal certificates, and Non-GMO declarations upon request.
Related References
Manufacturer of Ethyl Maltol
Zhishang Chem is based in Shandong, serves the whole country, faces the world, and is determined to become an excellent supplier and service provider in the chemical industry.
As a top manufacturer of cosmetic raw materials, disinfectants, flavors and fragrances in China, we are committed to producing high-quality products and have won high praise from customers all over the world.
In the next 10 years or even longer, Zhishang will always adhere to the tenet of quality first and reputation first, and devote itself to providing customers with thoughtful and perfect services.
As a professional Ethyl Maltol manufacturer, Zhi shang Chemical has served more than 6,000 customers around the world. Because of our high-quality products and professional services, we have won high praise from most of our customers.
Pre-Sales Service
* Timely reply and 24 hours online, the professional team will provide you with the most favorable prices and high-quality products.
* The sample supports testing and inspection.
* Each batch of products will be tested to ensure that its quality meets user needs.
*Packaging can also be made according to customer requirements.
*Any inquiries will be answered by our relevant personnel within 24 hours.
*We will provide you with commercial invoice, packing list, packing list, COA, health certificate and certificate of origin if you need it. If your market has other special requirements, please let us know.
After-Sales Service
*We will monitor the logistics information in real time and will share the information with you.
* You can consult us at any time if you have any questions about the product, and we will answer you in time.
*If you have any questions about the product, you can report it to us, we will deal with it in time for you, and the product can be returned.
1. For products ≤50kg, we recommend using express delivery, which is usually called DDU service (discounted, convenient).
2. For products ≤500kg, we generally recommend air freight, which is usually called FOB, CFR or CIF service (fast and efficient).
3. For products >500kg, we generally recommend shipping by sea, which is usually called FOB, CFR or CIF service (economical, safe).
4. For high-value products, please choose air or express to ensure the safety of product transportation.
