M

Menthol

IUPAC: 5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol

C10H20O Organic Compounds CAS 1490-04-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC10H20O
CAS Number1490-04-6
Molecular Weight156.26
Melting Point100 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point421 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.904 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceD,l-menthol is a white crystalline solid with a peppermint odor and taste. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol; 1490-04-6; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol; Menthyl alcohol; Mentholum; Caswell No. 540; Mineral ice; 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol; 3-Hydroxy-p-menthane; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Menthol?

P-menthan-3-ol is any secondary alcohol that is one of the eight possible diastereoisomers of 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol. It has a role as a volatile oil component. It is a p-menthane monoterpenoid and a secondary alcohol.

Formula & Notation

C10H20O

IUPAC Name: 5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: 5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol; 1490-04-6; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol; Menthyl alcohol; Mentholum; Caswell No. 540; Mineral ice; 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol; 3-Hydroxy-p-menthane; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: D,l-menthol is a white crystalline solid with a peppermint odor and taste. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C10H20O. Molecular weight: 156.26 g/mol. Boiling point: 421 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 100 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.904 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 133 °F approximately (NTP, 1992). LogP: 3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point100 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point421 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.904 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight156.26
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceD,l-menthol is a white crystalline solid with a peppermint odor and taste. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Menthol
Formula C10H20O
CAS Number 1490-04-6
Molecular Weight 156.26
Synonyms 5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol; 1490-04-6; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol; Menthyl alcohol; Mentholum; Caswell No. 540; Mineral ice; 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol; 3-Hydroxy-p-menthane; 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol

Frequently Asked Questions

P-menthan-3-ol is any secondary alcohol that is one of the eight possible diastereoisomers of 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol. It has a role as a volatile oil component. It is a p-menthane monoterpenoid and a secondary alcohol.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.