AInsights Entry for (+)-Isomenthone (CAS: 1196-31-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (+)-Isomenthone
• IUPAC Name: (2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone
• CAS Number: 1196-31-2
• FEMA Number: 3419
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O
• Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol

(+)-Isomenthone is a monoterpene ketone characterized by its cyclohexanone core with isopropyl and methyl substituents. The functional groups present, particularly the ketone, contribute to its minty odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(+)-Isomenthone is known for its minty, cooling odor with a moderate intensity and good diffusion. It is often described as having a fresh, camphoraceous character. The compound is used as an impact note in minty flavors and fragrances, providing a refreshing and uplifting sensory experience. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(+)-Isomenthone is naturally found in various essential oils, including peppermint and spearmint oils. It is formed through the oxidation of menthone and is part of the natural biosynthetic pathway of monoterpenes in plants. Its presence in essential oils contributes to the "natural flavor" designation when used in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (+)-isomenthone is primarily used in mint flavors, such as peppermint and spearmint, and is also found in confectionery, oral care products, and beverages. It serves as a functional component that enhances the minty profile and provides a cooling sensation. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in specific applications. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

(+)-Isomenthone is utilized in fragrance formulations within the mint and fresh fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, uplifting scent that is often associated with cleanliness and vitality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (+)-isomenthone is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent overexposure during manufacturing.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(+)-Isomenthone is valued for its ability to enhance minty profiles and provide a cooling effect. It synergizes well with other mint compounds like menthol and menthone. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower other notes if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in non-mint applications where a fresh note could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on (+)-isomenthone is well-established, particularly in flavor and fragrance contexts. While industry practices are generally consistent, some data gaps exist in specific regulatory and safety evaluations, which should be addressed through further research and documentation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-06-25 07:34:14 GMT (p2)