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: 2965
• Other Identifiers: FL number 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 an 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. It is often described as having a fresh, camphoraceous character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in minty and herbal compositions, providing a refreshing and uplifting sensory experience. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(-)-Isopulegol naturally occurs in various essential oils, notably in peppermint and other mint species. It is a precursor in the biosynthesis of menthol, formed through the hydrogenation of pulegone. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations due to its occurrence in plant-derived essential oils and its role in the natural biosynthetic pathways of menthol.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(-)-Isopulegol is utilized in flavor formulations primarily within mint and herbal categories. It serves as a functional component to enhance freshness and cooling effects. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations around 5 ppm. It is stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which formulators should consider during product development.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, (-)-isopulegol is used across various product types, including personal care and household products. It contributes to fragrance families such as minty, herbal, and fresh. Its functional role often includes acting as a trace realism enhancer or a cooling modifier. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in formulations, contributing 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, (-)-isopulegol is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, specific regulations vary, but it is generally accepted in Japan and China under flavor and fragrance guidelines. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR align with international standards, though specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (-)-isopulegol is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported, aligning with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

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 flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing overall freshness. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions and ensure it is used within recommended concentrations to avoid sensory imbalance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (-)-isopulegol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception may require further research. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with harmonized standards across major regions.

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 2026-04-10 13:01:33 GMT (p2)