L-Menthol
CAS Number: 2216-51-5
L-Menthol (CAS 2216-51-5) is the naturally occurring enantiomer of menthol, a cyclic terpene alcohol derived from peppermint oil, renowned for its intense cooling sensation and characteristic minty, fresh aroma. It is one of the highest-volume flavor and fragrance chemicals globally, used in oral care, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Technical Specifications
| appearance | Colorless crystalline needles or granules |
| purity (%) | ≥99.0 |
| melting point | 41–44 °C |
| optical rotation | -49° to -50° |
Applications
- Oral care products including toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss
- Confectionery and chewing gum for cooling and minty flavor
- Pharmaceutical topical preparations for cooling and analgesic effect
- Cigarette and tobacco products for menthol character
- Cosmetics and personal care for fresh, cooling sensation
Key Features
- Intense, long-lasting cooling effect superior to synthetic racemic menthol
- Natural origin or nature-identical synthesis available for label flexibility
- USP/EP/JP pharmacopoeial grade available for pharmaceutical applications
- Stable crystalline form with easy handling in powder and flake formats