1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common name(s): (-)-Menthone
• IUPAC name: (2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone
• CAS number: 14073-97-3
• FEMA number: 2667
• Other identifiers: FL number 02.062
• Molecular formula: C10H18O
• Molecular weight: 154.25 g/mol

(-)-Menthone is a monoterpene ketone characterized by its cyclohexanone core with isopropyl and methyl substituents. The stereochemistry of (-)-menthone is crucial for its odor profile, as the (2S,5R) configuration contributes to its minty aroma. The presence of the ketone functional group is significant for its reactivity and interaction with olfactory receptors, influencing its sensory perception.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(-)-Menthone is known for its characteristic minty, cooling odor with a moderate intensity. It is often described as having a fresh, peppermint-like scent with subtle herbal undertones. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, making it an effective impact note in formulations. Its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, providing freshness and depth to minty profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(-)-Menthone naturally occurs in various essential oils, most notably in peppermint 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 presence in plant-derived oils.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(-)-Menthone is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in mint-flavored products such as chewing gum, confectionery, and oral care products. It serves as a functional component that enhances minty notes and provides a cooling sensation. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is generally 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, (-)-menthone is utilized in minty and fresh fragrance families, often found in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It acts as a modifier, adding freshness and realism to compositions. Concentration ranges vary, but it is typically used at low levels due to its potent odor. (-)-Menthone contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, (-)-menthone is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. The European Union includes it in the list of flavoring substances under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. In the UK, post-Brexit regulations align closely with the EU standards. In Asia, Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors, while ASEAN countries follow harmonized standards. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have adopted similar regulatory frameworks, though specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (-)-menthone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place to minimize prolonged exposure. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

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 both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty compounds like menthol and carvone. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-used 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-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented in authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented guidelines, though some regional regulatory nuances may exist. No significant data gaps are identified, but ongoing research may refine usage recommendations.

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 2026-04-06 12:04:43 GMT (p2)