L-Menthol
Synonyms
(-)-Menthol;
Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1R,2S,5R)-;
Levomenthol;
FEMA No. 2665;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Alcohol
>> Alicyclic Alcohol and its Derivatives
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 2216-51-5
EINECS: 218-690-9
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Weight: 156.27
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless needle crystal; or crystal powder.
Odor peppermint odor.
Solubility slightly soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
cat intraperitoneal LD50 |
800mg/kg[1] |
|
cat oral LD50 |
800mg/kg[1] |
|
cat intravenous LDLo |
34mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig intraperitoneal LDLo |
4000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
6600mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
3400mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LD50 |
5000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit skin LD50 |
> 5000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit intraperitoneal LDLo |
2000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
700mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
3300mg/kg[1] |
|
rat subcutaneous LD50 |
1000mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, masking, dispersing abilities. Cooling effect.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1886.199 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Natural menthol
(1b), QB/T 1793 Natural menthol
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) L-Menthol
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cooling agent.
Use as perfume.
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Use as insecticide, preservative.
2, Personal care products
Masking agent, cooling agent, denaturant, soothing agent in personal care products.
3, Food
Use as food additive (perfume).
4, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipient, use as flavoring agent, fragrance. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 2216-51-5, L-Menthol
Update: 20130920(1); 20190922(2)