AInsights Entry for Isopulegol (CAS: 7786-67-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isopulegol
• IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanol
• CAS Number: 7786-67-6
• FEMA Number: 2965
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O
• Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Isopulegol is a monoterpene alcohol, characterized by a cyclohexanol ring with a methyl and isopropyl group. Its structure contributes to its minty, cooling odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isopulegol is known for its minty, cooling, and slightly herbal odor. It is often described as having a fresh, camphoraceous character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is used as an impact note in minty and herbal formulations, providing a refreshing and uplifting sensory experience. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, isopulegol is typically used in small concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isopulegol naturally occurs in various essential oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint oils. It is a precursor in the biosynthesis of menthol, formed through the hydrogenation of citronellal. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its presence in essential oils and its derivation from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isopulegol is utilized in flavor formulations primarily within mint and herbal categories. It serves as a functional component that enhances freshness and provides a cooling sensation. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Isopulegol 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 fragrance applications, isopulegol is incorporated into minty, herbal, and fresh fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to impart a refreshing top note that quickly diffuses.

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 No. 02.062.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, though specific concentration limits may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Isopulegol is considered safe for oral consumption within established GRAS limits. No specific ADI or MSDI is reported, but typical use levels are well below any safety concerns.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, though occupational exposure should be minimized through standard safety practices.

Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isopulegol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty character with a cooling effect. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing overall freshness. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. 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

Data on isopulegol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are less frequently reported. Regulatory frameworks are consistent across major regions, with minor variations in concentration limits.

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 2026-07-02 15:03:06 GMT (p2)