Trihalogenated benzamides--a new class of artificial sweeteners

2,4,6-tribromo-3-carboxyalkyl-benzamides and -carboxyalkoxy-benzamides are intensely sweet. With a recognition threshold value of about 1 mumol/l the 3-carboxyethyl compound is one of the sweetest compounds known. The intensity of the sweet taste depends upon the nature of the carboxyalkyl/carboxylalkoxy group. In respect to the acute toxicity to mice the compounds are similar to the sodium salt of saccharin and sodium cyclamate. The compounds are easily obtainable in good yield.