FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dextro-neomenthol (CAS: 2216-52-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Dextro-neomenthol
• IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol
• CAS Number: 2216-52-6
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O
• Molecular Weight: 156.27 g/mol

Dextro-neomenthol is a monoterpenoid alcohol, structurally related to menthol. It features an isopropyl group and a hydroxyl group on a cyclohexane ring, contributing to its cooling and minty odor profile. The stereochemistry of dextro-neomenthol is crucial for its sensory characteristics, distinguishing it from other menthol isomers.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Dextro-neomenthol is characterized by a minty, cooling odor with moderate intensity and diffusion. It is often described as having a fresh, slightly sweet aroma with a cooling sensation similar to menthol but less intense. The taste threshold for dextro-neomenthol is not well-documented, but it is known to provide a cooling effect in flavor applications, acting as an impact note in minty profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Dextro-neomenthol is naturally found in peppermint and other mint oils. It is typically formed through the hydrogenation of pulegone or as a byproduct in the synthesis of menthol. Its presence in natural mint oils contributes to the "natural flavor" designation when used in flavor and fragrance formulations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Dextro-neomenthol is used in various flavor categories, including mint, confectionery, and oral care products. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a fresh and minty taste. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in oral care formulations. It is relatively 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, dextro-neomenthol is used in minty and fresh fragrance families, often in personal care products like shampoos and body washes. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a cooling sensation and enhancing freshness. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Dextro-neomenthol contributes primarily to the top notes due to its volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Dextro-neomenthol is not explicitly listed by FEMA as GRAS but is used under the assumption of safety based on its structural similarity to menthol.
• European Union: It is regulated under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, with no specific FL number assigned.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, dextro-neomenthol is used in flavors and fragrances with no specific restrictions noted.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in MERCOSUR countries, with usage aligned with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, dextro-neomenthol is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, but sensitization data is limited. Inhalation exposure is generally safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored due to volatility. The risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Dextro-neomenthol is valued for its cooling effect and minty aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential degradation under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in non-mint applications where a subtle cooling effect is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on dextro-neomenthol is well-established, with industry practices supporting its use in various applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited, requiring formulators to rely on structural analogs like menthol for guidance.

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
• Section 5a is not applicable as dextro-neomenthol is a single compound

If any item is missing, immediately revise the entry to fix it before returning the final output.

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 2026-02-24 21:30:29 GMT (p2)