FlavScents AInsights Entry for (±)-Menthone (CAS: 89-80-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Menthone
- IUPAC Name: (±)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone
- CAS Number: 89-80-5
- FEMA Number: 2667
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.042
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O
- Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
Menthone is a monoterpene ketone characterized by its cyclohexanone structure with isopropyl and methyl substituents. The presence of the ketone group is crucial for its minty odor, which is a key feature in its sensory profile. The compound exists as a racemic mixture, with both enantiomers contributing to its olfactory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Menthone is known for its minty, cooling odor with a slight herbal undertone. It is less intense than menthol but provides a similar refreshing sensation. The compound is often described as having a moderate diffusion and is used to impart a fresh, clean note in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold of menthone is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Menthone is naturally found in various essential oils, including peppermint and pennyroyal oil. It is biosynthesized in plants through the oxidation of menthol, a process facilitated by specific enzymes. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread occurrence in nature.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Menthone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including mint, herbal, and confectionery. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, often used to provide a fresh, minty note. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Menthone is stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, menthone is employed across several fragrance families, such as mint, herbal, and fresh. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are typically low, often below 1%, due to its potent odor. Menthone's volatility makes it suitable for products requiring a quick release of scent.
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 number 02.042.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Menthone's regulatory status is well-established, with harmonized approvals across major regions. However, formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Menthone is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances within established limits. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though 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 observed during handling.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Menthone is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty character to formulations. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering minty aroma, and instability in acidic formulations. It is often underutilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on menthone is well-documented, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-established, though some variability exists in natural sources. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory nuances.
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
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
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 2026-02-13 15:37:52 GMT (p2)