Maltol is a naturally occurring organic compound that is used primarily as a flavor enhancer.

It has the odor of caramel and is used to impart a pleasant aroma to foods and fragrances.

Maltol is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in hot water and other polar solvents.

Like related 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones such as kojic acid, it binds to hard metal centers such as Fe3+, Ga3+, Al3+, and VO2+.

[4] Maltol's strong metal binding affinity (good iron chelator), high bioavailability, and low toxicity profile make it an excellent scaffold for designing novel compounds for therapeutic applications.