What Is Menthone? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Menthone, also known as 1-methyl-4-isopropylcyclohexan-3-one, is a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone compound belonging to the cyclic terpene ketone class. It is one of the main components in peppermint oil and an intermediate metabolite of menthol oxidation. Its molecular formula is C10H18O, molecular weight is 154.25, CAS number is 10458–14–7 (isomer mixture), EINECS number is 233–944–9, and FEMA number is 2667. Menthone appears as a colorless oily liquid with a refreshing minty aroma and woody undertones. The aroma is not very persistent, with a cooling taste but also an unpleasant bitterness. As an important natural flavor and cooling agent component, menthone is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, daily chemical, and flavors and fragrances industries. Menthone can be used alone or in combination with menthol, WS series cooling agents, and other cooling agents for better cooling effects and aroma performance. Menthone has two geometric isomers (cis and trans). The trans isomer is called menthone, and the cis isomer is called isomenthone. Both cis and trans isomers have optical isomers, including l-menthone and d-menthone. Several isomers occur naturally. Commercial products are typically mixtures of isomers, with natural l-menthone being the most common. The specific rotation of l-menthone is approximately -24.8°, and d-menthone is approximately +24.85°.

Appearance: Colorless oily liquid, nearly colorless and transparent.

Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: C10H18O, molecular weight 154.25.