FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-2-menthene (CAS: 5256-65-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-2-menthene
• IUPAC Name: 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)cyclohexene
• CAS Number: 5256-65-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H16
• Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: para-2-menthene is a monoterpene with a cyclohexene ring and an isopropylidene group. Its structure contributes to its characteristic odor profile, which is often described as citrusy and fresh.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: para-2-menthene is known for its citrus-like, fresh, and slightly woody aroma. It is often used to impart a clean and uplifting scent in both flavors and fragrances.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in citrus and fresh-themed formulations, providing a bright and invigorating character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: para-2-menthene is found in various essential oils, including those from citrus fruits and certain herbs.
• Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the degradation of limonene and other monoterpenes, often occurring during the processing of citrus oils.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural sources allows it to be labeled as a natural component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: para-2-menthene is primarily used in citrus, herbal, and fresh flavor profiles.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the freshness and brightness of the flavor.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not available, but industry-typical concentrations range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: para-2-menthene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in citrus, fresh, and herbal fragrance families.
• Functional Role: It serves as a top note, providing freshness and a clean scent.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: para-2-menthene is a volatile compound, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed under the EU flavoring regulation.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found; typically follows international standards.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found; generally aligns with international norms.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values found; generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in flavor use.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: para-2-menthene is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy character to both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing overall freshness.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering scent; balance with other notes is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its fresh note could enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications often rely on industry experience.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.

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 2026-05-18 10:20:30 GMT (p2)