FlavScents AInsights Entry for Menthyl Acetate Racemic (CAS: 16409-45-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Menthyl Acetate Racemic
• IUPAC Name: 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl acetate
• CAS Number: 16409-45-3
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C12H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 198.31 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Menthyl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its characteristic minty and fruity odor profile. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Menthyl acetate is known for its minty, fruity, and slightly sweet odor. It is often described as having a refreshing and cooling sensation.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported; however, it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a fresh and cooling effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Menthyl acetate is found in various mint species, including peppermint and spearmint.
• Formation Pathways: It is typically formed through the esterification of menthol with acetic acid.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Menthyl acetate can be considered a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in mint-flavored products, such as chewing gum, confectionery, and oral care products.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 5 to 50 ppm in finished products, with industry-typical levels around 10 ppm.
• Stability Considerations: Menthyl acetate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may hydrolyze under acidic or basic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Widely used in minty and fresh fragrance compositions, including personal care products and household cleaners.
• Functional Role: Provides a cooling and refreshing note, often used as a modifier or impact note.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Generally used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Menthyl acetate is a top note due to its high volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS; typically used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported; assumed to be used under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level data not found; typically follows international flavoring guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level data not found; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI reported; generally considered safe at typical use levels in food.
• Dermal Exposure: Low risk of irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure is minimal under normal use conditions.
• Risk Profiles: Generally similar for food and fragrance applications, with low toxicity at typical exposure levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Menthyl acetate provides a unique cooling and refreshing sensory profile, enhancing both flavor and fragrance formulations.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other minty and citrus notes to enhance freshness.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering minty note; balance is key.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in non-mint applications where a subtle cooling effect could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Sensory profile and typical use levels are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in non-mint applications is less documented but known in industry practice.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory listings and thresholds are not always clearly reported.

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 15:38:31 GMT (p2)