Aspartame, identified by CAS number 22839-47-0, is a prominent non-nutritive sweetener composed of the dipeptide methyl ester of L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. This white, odorless crystalline powder is characterized by its intense sweetness, which is estimated to be approximately two hundred times greater than that of sucrose. Its chemical structure makes it sensitive to prolonged heat and specific pH environments, where it may undergo hydrolysis into its constituent amino acids.
In industrial and research contexts, aspartame is valued for its high potency and its ability to mimic the sensory profile of natural sugars without the associated caloric load. Proper handling involves maintaining dry storage conditions to ensure chemical stability. As a versatile raw material, it serves as a critical component in formulations requiring flavor modification and caloric reduction across various sectors.