Description
Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous, somewhat balsamic or root-like.
It has a bitter, wood-like taste. Prepared by heating a mixture of
ι-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 - 110°C in the presence of
trace concentrated H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCL.
Chemical Properties
Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous. It has a bitter, wood like taste.
Occurrence
Reported found in several peppermint essential oils: American, French, English, and Russian peppermint and
nutmeg
Preparation
Prepared by heating a mixture of l-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 to 110°C in the presence of trace concentrated
H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCl.
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 80 ppm: fruity, sweet, with a tutti-fruitti background.
Hazard
Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact.
A moderate skin contact irritant.
