Menthyl acetate has a fresh odor similar to mint and rose (on
dilution). It has a characteristic, fresh, pungent flavor, different
from menthol (being much milder). It has a cool mouthfeel with
only a trace of mint flavor. May be prepared by reacting acetic
anhydride with menthol in the presence of anhydrous sodium
acetate.
Menthyl acetate may be used in the preparation of 3-amino-2-hydroxyalkanoates via lithium amide-supported Mannich-type reaction of its lithium enolate with PMP-arylaldimines (PMP=p-methoxyphenyl) followed by in situ oxidation with oxaziridine.
Menthyl acetate is in perfumery; emphasizes floral notes, especially that of rose, used in toilet waters having a lavender odor. Has been suggested for flavoring extracts having caraway or mint flavors.
ChEBI: (+/-)-Menthyl acetate is a p-menthane monoterpenoid.
Menthyl acetate (MA), a monoterpene is one of the main constituent of the peppermint essential oil obtained from the leaves of Mentha piperita. It has been reported to show ambulation-promoting effect in mice. Its fumigant and repellent activity has been evaluated on first-instar nymphs of the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus. The decomposition of MA in an atmospheric flow reactor and a low-pressure flat flame has been investigated by molecular-beam mass spectrometry (MBMS).
