Neotame
is a
development from aspartame.
The only real difference is that a
3,3-dimethylbutyl group
has been attached to the amino group of the
aspartic acid
which is still bonded by a
peptide bond
to
phenylalanine, which itself has a
methyl group
attached to its COOH group.
The 3,3-dimethylbutyl group protects the peptide bond from being hydrolysed,
so that phenylalanine is not released, but esterase enzymes can still de-esterify the molecule releasing (a small amount of) methanol.
Neotame is said to be 8000 (or more) x sweeter than sugar. Consequently
- much less is required
- there are practically no issues regarding breakdown products
- it may not need to be put on the list of ingredients (?)
It is more thermally stable than aspartame.