FlavScents AInsights Entry for (-)-Isopulegol (CAS: 89-79-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (-)-Isopulegol
• IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanol
• CAS Number: 89-79-2
• FEMA Number: 2969
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O
• Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol

(-)-Isopulegol is a monoterpenoid alcohol characterized by its cyclohexanol structure with a methyl and isopropyl group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its minty, cooling odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(-)-Isopulegol is known for its minty, cooling, and slightly herbal odor, reminiscent of menthol but less intense. It is often described as having a fresh, camphoraceous character with moderate diffusion. The compound is primarily used as a modifier to enhance freshness and provide a cooling sensation in flavor and fragrance formulations. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory impact is significant even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(-)-Isopulegol naturally occurs in various essential oils, including those of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint. It is a precursor in the biosynthesis of menthol, formed through the hydrogenation of citronellal. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, depending on the extraction method and source.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(-)-Isopulegol is utilized in flavor formulations for its minty and cooling properties. It is commonly found in mint-flavored products, such as chewing gums, candies, and oral care products. Typical use levels in finished products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is 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 the fragrance industry, (-)-isopulegol is used in a variety of product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to the top notes of fragrance compositions, providing a fresh, minty aroma that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in formulations, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

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: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals exist for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (-)-isopulegol is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI established. The compound is not known to be a significant irritant or sensitizer in dermal applications, aligning with IFRA guidelines for fragrance use. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed to minimize potential irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(-)-Isopulegol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, cooling sensation, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect, and instability under extreme conditions. Formulators should balance its use to achieve the desired sensory impact without compromising product stability.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (-)-isopulegol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds are not always documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological profiles, which are supplemented by general safety assessments.

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 2026-09-25 16:31:06 GMT (p2)