Menthone Natural (FG & Technical Grades): The Fresh Minty–Cooling Note for Flavors & Fragrances
- Galbora
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
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 | Technical & Food Grade (FCC) |
Always verify grade and purity via supplier COA and ensure compliance with REACH, IFRA, and regional flavor regulations.
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
Available as Technical and Food Grade (FCC). Common documentation:
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
TDS (Technical Data Sheet)
IFRA Certificate
Flavor/Food Compliance Statement
Allergen, GMO/Non-GMO, Vegan, Halal, Kosher declarations
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: FEMA GRAS; comply with FDA CFR 172.515 & EU 1334/2008.
Fragrance Use: Generally unrestricted under IFRA; confirm category limits.
Allergens: Not among EU 26 declarable fragrance allergens unless present as impurity.
Toxicity: Low; may cause mild irritation at high concentration.
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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