FlavScents AInsights Entry for Laevo-Menthyl Acetate (CAS: 2623-23-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Laevo-menthyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl acetate
• CAS Number: 2623-23-6
• FEMA Number: 2668
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C12H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 198.31 g/mol

Laevo-menthyl acetate is an ester derived from menthol and acetic acid. It is characterized by its cyclohexane ring with an isopropyl group and an acetate ester functional group. The acetate group contributes to its distinct minty and fruity aroma, which is less intense than menthol but provides a smoother, more rounded sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Laevo-menthyl acetate is known for its pleasant, minty aroma with subtle fruity undertones. It is less pungent than menthol, offering a softer, more refined mint character. The compound is often described as having a cooling effect, which is less intense than menthol but still noticeable. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at low concentrations.

In flavor applications, laevo-menthyl acetate serves as a modifier, enhancing mint profiles and adding complexity to fruity and herbal notes. It is often used to impart a fresh, clean sensation in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Laevo-menthyl acetate is naturally found in peppermint oil and other mint species. It is formed through the esterification of menthol with acetic acid, a reaction that can occur naturally in plants or be synthesized industrially. Its presence in natural mint oils contributes to their characteristic aroma and flavor profiles.

The compound is considered a natural flavoring agent when derived from natural sources, aligning with "natural flavor" designations in regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Laevo-menthyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in mint-flavored products such as chewing gum, confectionery, and oral care products. It acts as a flavor enhancer, providing a cooling sensation and enhancing the overall mint profile.

Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, laevo-menthyl acetate is used in a variety of product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to the freshness and cooling effect in fragrance compositions, often used in conjunction with other minty or herbal notes.

The compound is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. It is considered a top to middle note, providing initial freshness and a lingering cooling effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Laevo-menthyl acetate is widely accepted for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized regulations across major markets.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Laevo-menthyl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical use levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by GRAS status, with no adverse effects reported at typical consumption levels.

Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. It is included in IFRA standards with specific concentration limits to ensure safety.

Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Laevo-menthyl acetate is valued for its ability to enhance mint profiles and provide a cooling effect without the intensity of menthol. It synergizes well with other mint and herbal notes, adding complexity and depth to formulations.

Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering mint character, and instability under extreme processing conditions. Formulators should consider its role as a modifier rather than a primary note to achieve balanced compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on laevo-menthyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary by application and region.

Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies specific to inhalation exposure, though existing data supports its safety at typical use levels.

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 2026-09-16 09:01:11 GMT (p2)