FlavScents AInsights Entry for Menthyl Valerate (CAS: 89-47-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Menthyl Valerate
• IUPAC Name: 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexyl pentanoate
• CAS Number: 89-47-4
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C15H28O2
• Molecular Weight: 240.39 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Menthyl valerate is an ester formed from menthol and valeric acid. The ester functional group is crucial for its characteristic fruity and minty odor profile, which is often used to impart freshness in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Menthyl valerate is characterized by a fresh, minty, and fruity odor with moderate intensity. It is often described as having a cooling effect, which is typical of menthol derivatives. The compound serves as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance applications, providing a refreshing and uplifting sensory experience. Specific odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory role is primarily as a modifier and enhancer of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Menthyl valerate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the esterification of menthol with valeric acid. This synthetic pathway is relevant for its designation as a "nature-identical" flavor or fragrance compound, often used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Menthyl valerate is used in various flavor categories, including mint, fruit, and confectionery. It functions as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a fresh and fruity note. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in specific applications like chewing gum or oral care products. The compound is stable under typical 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, menthyl valerate is used across several families, including fresh, minty, and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, making it suitable for both top and middle note applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Menthyl valerate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. Specific regulatory status for fragrance use is not explicitly detailed.
• European Union: It is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards for flavor use.
• Asia: Regulatory status varies; Japan and China have specific guidelines for flavor use, but detailed fragrance regulations are less clear.
• Latin America: Brazil and MERCOSUR countries follow similar guidelines to the US and EU for flavor use, with less clarity on fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Menthyl valerate is considered safe for oral consumption at typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. The margin of safety is generally high due to its low use concentrations.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate, and no specific occupational hazards are reported. General ventilation is recommended during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Menthyl valerate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty, and fruity note, enhancing the sensory profile of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other mint and fruit compounds, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtle freshness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on menthyl valerate is well-established for its sensory and functional roles. However, specific regulatory and safety data may be less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and guidelines. Known data gaps include precise odor thresholds and comprehensive regulatory details for all 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 2026-08-31 20:03:37 GMT (p2)