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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Menthyl Acetate Racemic
• IUPAC Name: (±)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl acetate
• CAS Number: 16409-45-3
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number not available; CoE Number not available; IFRA Reference not available
• 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 impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Menthyl acetate racemic is characterized by a minty, fruity odor with a sweet, refreshing quality. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a cooling sensation that enhances the perception of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Menthyl acetate is naturally found in peppermint oil and other mint species. It is formed through the esterification of menthol with acetic acid. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources, such as essential oils, through physical processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Menthyl acetate is used in various flavor categories, including mint, fruit, and confectionery. It functions as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, often used in chewing gums, candies, and oral care products. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations providing a more pronounced cooling effect. The compound 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 fragrances, menthyl acetate is used in minty and fresh fragrance families, such as fougère and citrus blends. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Menthyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. No specific restrictions for fragrance use.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed safe under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international guidelines for flavor and fragrance safety.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Menthyl acetate is considered safe for oral consumption at typical flavor use levels. No specific ADI or MSDI established; generally regarded as safe under FEMA GRAS.
• Dermal Exposure: Low potential for irritation or sensitization; not listed as a restricted substance by IFRA.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests minimal risk at typical fragrance use levels; occupational exposure limits not specifically defined.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, given the low concentrations typically used.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Menthyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a cooling, refreshing sensation in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and fruity notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on menthyl acetate is well-established, particularly in flavor applications. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific regulatory details may vary by region. Known data gaps include specific inhalation exposure limits and detailed regional regulatory frameworks outside of the US and EU.

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 09:01:46 GMT (p2)