Maltose is a disaccharide. It is a reducing sugar. Its molecular symbol is C12H22O11. It is sweet in taste and its sweetness is 30-60% of sugar. Maltose is produced by partial distillation of sugar. Maltose is formed by the partial breakdown of starch. Two molecules of glucose are joined by α-1,4 linkage to form maltose. Maltose is used in malting barley to make beer.