Chemical Properties
(1R)-(-)-Menthyl acetate occurs in peppermint oils. It is a colorless liquid with a fresh, fruity,
peppermint odor.
(?)-Menthyl acetate is prepared by acetylation of (?)-menthol (e.g., with acetic
anhydride). It is used mainly in peppermint flavors and reconstituted peppermint
oils, but also to a small extent in perfumery.
Uses
L-Menthyl Acetate, and its derivatives, is used as a penetration enhancers, to enhance the skin permeation of various drugs with differing lipophilicities, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), lidocaine (LD), etc.
Definition
ChEBI: (-)-Menthyl acetate is a p-menthane monoterpenoid.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Biochem/physiol Actions
Taste at 25 ppm
Safety Profile
Low toxicity by
ingestion and skin contact. A skin irritant.
When heated to decomposition it emits
acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Synthesis
L-Menthyl acetate is produced by direct esterification of racemicMenthol with Acetic acid under azeotropic
conditions.
