AInsights Entry for (+)-Isomenthone (CAS: 1196-31-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (+)-Isomenthone
• IUPAC Name: (2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone
• CAS Number: 1196-31-2
• FEMA Number: 3419
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O
• Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol

(+)-Isomenthone is a monoterpene ketone characterized by its cyclohexanone structure with isopropyl and methyl substituents. The presence of the ketone group contributes to its minty odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(+)-Isomenthone is known for its minty, cooling odor with a slight herbal undertone. It is less intense than menthol but provides a refreshing note that is often described as clean and uplifting. The compound is used as an impact note in mint-flavored products and can also serve as a background modifier to enhance freshness in various formulations. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a modifier and enhancer in both flavor and fragrance systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(+)-Isomenthone naturally occurs in several essential oils, including peppermint and spearmint oils. It is formed through the oxidation of menthone and can also be produced synthetically. Its presence in natural oils contributes to the "natural flavor" designation when used in flavoring applications. The compound's formation is often linked to enzymatic processes in plants, which convert precursor compounds into isomenthone.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (+)-isomenthone is primarily used in mint-flavored products such as chewing gums, candies, and oral care products. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a fresh, minty note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

(+)-Isomenthone is utilized in fragrance formulations for its fresh, minty aroma. It is commonly found in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. The compound acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the product type and desired effect. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, 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 No. 02.062.
• 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 in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (+)-isomenthone is considered safe within the typical use levels in food products, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but 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 in place to prevent overexposure during manufacturing.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(+)-Isomenthone is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty note without the intensity of menthol. It synergizes well with other mint compounds and can enhance the perception of freshness in both flavors and fragrances. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering minty aroma. It is often underutilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on (+)-isomenthone is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. Industry practices are documented, but some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods. Known data gaps include specific odor thresholds and detailed toxicological studies.

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 12:05:38 GMT (p2)