English Name | DL-Menthol |
English Synonyms | Peppermint camphor; 3-p-Menthanol; Hexahydrothymol; (-)-Menthol; (1R,2S,5R)-Menthol |
CAS Number | 89-78-1 (racemic mixture), 1490-04-6 (natural (-)-isomer) |
Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₂₀O |
Molecular Weight | 156.27 g/mol |
Molecular Structure | CH₃ C-CH(CH₃)₂ / HO-C CH₂ / CH₂-CH₂ (Cyclohexanol ring with isopropyl/methyl groups) |
Melting Point | 42–45°C (natural (-)-menthol) |
Applications | 1. Flavor/Fragrance: Toothpaste, gum, cosmetics 2. Pharma: Topical analgesics, decongestants 3. Cooling agent: Liniments, inhalers 4. Synthesis: Intermediate for esters |
Safety Phrases | H302: Harmful if swallowed H315: Causes skin irritation H319: Causes eye irritation H412: Harmful to aquatic life |
Upstream Raw Materials | 1. Natural: Peppermint oil (extraction/crystallization) 2. Synthetic: - Thymol (hydrogenation) - Citral (isomerization) |