FlavScents AInsights Entry for Menthyl Acetate (CAS: 89-48-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Menthyl Acetate
- IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl acetate
- CAS Number: 89-48-5
- FEMA Number: 2668
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.271
- Molecular Formula: C12H22O2
- Molecular Weight: 198.31 g/mol
Menthyl acetate is an ester formed from menthol and acetic acid. It is characterized by its functional groups, including an ester linkage, which contributes to its pleasant minty and fruity aroma. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the ester group is known for imparting sweet and fruity notes, enhancing the material's utility in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Menthyl acetate is known for its minty, fruity, and slightly balsamic odor profile. It is often described as having a refreshing and cooling sensation, similar to menthol but with a sweeter undertone. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Menthyl acetate naturally occurs in peppermint and other mint oils. It is formed through the esterification of menthol with acetic acid, a process that can occur naturally in plants or be replicated synthetically. Its presence in natural mint oils contributes to their characteristic aroma, making it relevant for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Menthyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including mint, fruit, and confectionery. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing a cooling and refreshing note. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in mint-flavored products. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, menthyl acetate is used across multiple fragrance families, including mint, citrus, and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing freshness and enhancing the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility classifies it as a top to middle note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.271.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Explicit approvals exist in major markets, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, country-specific variability may occur, necessitating verification for compliance.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, menthyl acetate is considered safe within established use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications 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 in manufacturing settings. Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Menthyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a cooling and refreshing note, enhancing both flavor and fragrance profiles. It synergizes well with other mint and citrus components. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering minty character. It is often under-utilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on menthyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.
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 2026-03-10 12:50:45 GMT (p2)