Menthone Natural (FG & Technical Grades): The Fresh Minty–Cooling Note for Flavors & Fragrances
Updated: Oct 17
Menthone Natural (FG & Technical Grades): The Fresh Minty–Cooling Note for Flavors & Fragrances
Executive Summary
Menthone Natural is a key monoterpenoid ketone with a characteristic cool, minty aroma. Widely used in flavors and fragrances, it imparts crisp freshness, herbal depth, and supports peppermint, spearmint, and fruity accords. This whitepaper provides a technical overview, covering chemistry, sensory attributes, stability, applications, and regulatory considerations—independent of any specific brand.
What Is Menthone? (Chemistry & Structure)
Menthone (C₁₀H₁₈O) is a monoterpenoid ketone, naturally present in peppermint, cornmint, and other mint oils. Its stereochemistry determines olfactory quality, with the L-isomer (−)-Menthone being the predominant natural form. Compared with menthol, Menthone is less cooling but has a sharper, greener, slightly herbal character, ideal for blending with mint and citrus notes.
Key Identifiers & Compliance Snapshot
Parameter | Menthone Natural |
CAS Number | 89-80-5 |
FEMA Number | 2667 |
EC / EINECS | 237-455-2 |
INCI / Flavor Use | Parfum; Flavouring Agent |
Grade Availability | Grade selection: Confirm the supplied grade and intended use |
Verify the supplied grade and purity using its specification and COA. Confirm applicable REACH obligations, current IFRA restriction information for fragrance use, and food-use requirements for the intended application and market.
Sensory Profile & Odor Threshold
Signature:fresh mint, herbal, slightly sweet, green and woody, crisp cooling
Odor threshold: low; contributes noticeable mint character even at low concentrations.
In flavors: enhances peppermint, spearmint, and fruit-mint blends.
In fragrances: supports minty top notes and adds herbal depth.
Physico-Chemical Properties (Formulator Notes)
Appearance: colorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point: ≈74 °C at 1 atm
Density (ρ₂₀): ≈0.905–0.914 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Refractive Index (n₂₀/D): ≈1.458–1.465
Vapor Pressure: 49.40 Pa at 25 °C
Solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols, oils, esters, and perfumery carriers
Stability: sensitive to light and oxidation; store airtight and away from heat
Grades, Quality & Documentation
Confirm grade availability and specifications with the supplier. For food use, request evidence of suitability for the intended application and market, including any claimed FCC conformance. Documents to request:
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
TDS (Technical Data Sheet)
Information on applicable IFRA Standards and raw-material restrictions (for fragrance use)
Flavor/Food Compliance Statement
Current allergen declaration; GMO/Non-GMO, Vegan, Halal or Kosher documentation where relevant and available
Applications & Typical Use Levels
Flavors
Used in peppermint, spearmint, fruit-mint, candy, chewing gum, beverages, and oral care products.
Typical use levels: 5–50 ppm (finished product), validate per local regulations.
Fragrances & Consumer Products
Common in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, and air care products.
Typical dosage: trace to 2% depending on formula and desired mint impact.
Formulation Strategy & Pairings
Pairs well with: menthol, L-Menthyl acetate, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citrus oils, herbal notes.Role: Adds herbal freshness, sharp minty top notes, and cooling perception; rounds synthetic mint blends.Tips: Begin with low ppm; combine with sweeter esters or menthol derivatives for balanced freshness; monitor oxidation in aqueous or high-pH systems.
Stability, Storage & Packaging
Store in sealed, light-resistant containers (aluminum, lacquered glass).
Environment: cool, dry, away from direct light and heat.
Shelf life: 12–24 months depending on storage conditions.
Regulatory & Safety Overview
Flavor use: Confirm the supplied grade's permitted use, conditions and specifications for the intended food application and destination market.
Fragrance use: Check the current IFRA Standards and supplier restriction information for the exact material and intended finished-product category.
Allergen status: Request a current supplier allergen declaration and assess finished-product labelling under applicable requirements, including EU Regulation 2023/1545 for cosmetics.
Safety: Use the current SDS for the supplied grade to determine hazard classification, handling precautions and exposure controls.
Safety: Avoid concentrated inhalation; wear gloves; follow SDS.
Analytical & QC (GC-MS, Assay)
Identity: Confirm via GC-MS (retention index & spectrum).
Assay: ≥98% GC area purity typical
Monitor: stereoisomer composition, oxidation byproducts, residual solvents.
Purchasing Checklist & FAQs
Checklist:☑ Grade (FG or Technical) verified on COA☑ CAS/FEMA/EC numbers match internal specs☑ Regulatory declarations & SDS received☑ Shelf life & packaging suitable☑ Pilot tested in final product
FAQs:
Q: Can Menthone replace Menthol?A: Not directly; it provides sharper, herbal mint notes and less cooling.
Q: Is stereochemistry important?A: Yes; natural L-isomer is preferred for aroma quality.
Sample & Quotation
Contact for evaluation of Menthone Natural in flavors or fragrances, FG/Technical grades, and full documentation (COA, SDS, TDS, compliance). Specify intended use, dosage, and regulatory requirements.
This article was researched and written by Galbora
The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.
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