Maltyl Butyrate (CAS 67860-01-09) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Maltyl Butyrate
CAS 67860-01-09
What Is Maltyl Butyrate?
Maltyl Butyrate is a synthetic ester commonly used in food flavorings and fragrances to impart a creamy, buttery, malt-like aroma. It’s found in baked goods, dairy products, and some perfumes. This ingredient matters because it creates rich, gourmand effects in fragrances and enhances creamy flavors in foods without using actual dairy ingredients.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Maltyl Butyrate Smell Like?
Maltyl Butyrate delivers an intense, warm aroma reminiscent of freshly baked bread crust mingled with melted butter. The top note is strikingly dairy-rich, evolving into a heart of caramelized malt sweetness. The dry-down reveals a subtle yeasty nuance, like the lingering scent in a bakery after pulling croissants from the oven. Its tenacity is moderate, with the buttery facets persisting longer than the initial malt burst.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to enhance the gourmand chocolate-patchouli accord, adding a buttered toast dimension that makes the sweetness feel edible yet sophisticated.
Provides a creamy counterpoint to the saffron-amber brilliance, creating the illusion of warm skin beneath the crystalline structure.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Maltyl Butyrate is an ester formed from maltol and butyric acid. As a synthetic molecule, it’s produced through esterification reactions under controlled conditions. The compound’s structure allows it to bind effectively to olfactory receptors associated with creamy, fatty perceptions. Its stability in ethanol makes it particularly useful in perfumery applications where long-lasting gourmand effects are desired.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| State | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Strength | Medium |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds creamy depth |
| Candles | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Enhances gourmand effects |
| Soaps | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Use sparingly due to strength |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with vanillin to create photorealistic dairy effects without actual milk components.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a less buttery, more purely sweet caramel effect is desired. More stable in acidic formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under current IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers safe at current usage levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, Maltyl Butyrate doesn’t rely on agricultural sourcing. Production can be optimized for minimal waste, though esterification requires energy input. Biodegradability studies show favorable environmental profiles for this class of compounds.
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References
- Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients (6th Ed) Link
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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