DL-Menthol
[CAS# 89-78-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Amino compound >> Sulfonic acid amino compound
• Name: DL-Menthol
• Synonyms: p-Menthan-3-ol; (1alpha,2beta,5alpha)-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-cyclohexanol
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O
• Molecular Weight: 156.27
• CAS Registry Number: 89-78-1
• EC Number: 201-939-0
• FEMA: 2665
• SMILES: CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(C)C

Properties

• Density: 0.89 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 32-36 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 216 °C (Expl.)
• Flash point: 92 °C (Expl.)
• alpha: -2 ° (c=10, EtOH) (Expl.)
• Water solubility: insoluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

Discovery and Applications

DL-Menthol is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, D-menthol and L-menthol, both of which are organic compounds derived from mint oils, particularly peppermint. The extraction of menthol from mint plants dates back to ancient times, with its use documented in various cultures for medicinal and aromatic purposes. The racemic mixture, DL-menthol, is commonly synthesized for industrial applications.

In the pharmaceutical industry, DL-menthol is utilized for its cooling and analgesic properties. It is incorporated into topical formulations such as ointments, creams, and balms to provide relief from minor aches and pains, including muscle cramps and sprains. Additionally, DL-menthol is used in oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwash for its refreshing taste and potential antibacterial effects.

Beyond its pharmaceutical applications, DL-menthol is employed in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent, imparting a minty taste to various products. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and cooling effects in products such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. Furthermore, DL-menthol has been explored in research for its potential to enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural sources, such as capsaicinoids and carotenoids from Capsicum frutescens.

In summary, DL-menthol is a versatile compound with a long history of use across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and cosmetics. Its cooling, analgesic, and aromatic properties continue to make it a valuable ingredient in numerous applications.

References

2025. Neural modulation by nicotine aerosols and the role of flavor additives: insights from local field potentials in mice. Neuropharmacology, 262.
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110237

2025. Menthol Mouth Rinsing Improves Cycling Performance in Trained Adolescent Males Under Heat Stress. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 35(1).
DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0028

2024. Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (Mint): a comprehensive review on the botany, traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemistry, health benefits, and applications. Chinese Medicine, 19(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-01037-2