FlavScents AInsights Entry for Menthyl Acetate (CAS: 89-48-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Menthyl Acetate
- IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl acetate
- CAS Number: 89-48-5
- FEMA Number: 2668
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.018
- Molecular Formula: C12H22O2
- Molecular Weight: 198.31 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Menthyl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its characteristic minty and fruity aroma. The ester linkage is crucial for its volatility and sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Menthyl acetate is characterized by a minty, fruity, and slightly sweet aroma. It is often described as having a cooling sensation, similar to menthol, but with a softer, more rounded profile. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for both impact and background notes in formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Menthyl acetate is naturally found in peppermint oil and other mint oils. It is formed through the esterification of menthol with acetic acid. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its occurrence in natural mint sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Menthyl acetate is used in a variety of flavor categories, including mint, fruit, and confectionery. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a fresh and clean taste profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in mint-flavored products. It is stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, menthyl acetate is used in minty, fresh, and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to impart a refreshing and uplifting scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.018.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may vary by country.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Menthyl acetate is considered safe for consumption at typical flavor use levels, with a high margin of safety.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Menthyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a cooling, minty freshness without the harshness of menthol. It synergizes well with other mint and fruit flavors, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering minty note. It is often under-utilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on menthyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification.
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 2026-09-03 09:56:57 GMT (p2)