Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from corn mint, peppermint, or other mint oils. It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature is (−)-menthol, which is assigned the (1R,2S,5R) configuration. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant qualities, and it is widely used to relieve minor throat irritation. Menthol also acts as a weak kappa opioid receptor agonist.
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
CAS Number |
2216-51-5 (chiral) |
Chemical formula |
C10H20O |
Molar mass |
156.27 g·mol−1 |
Appearance |
White or colorless crystalline solid |
Density |
0.890 g·cm−3, solid |
Melting point |
36 to 38 °C (97 to 100 °F; 309 to 311 K) racemic |
Boiling point |
212 °C (414 °F; 485 K) |
Solubility in water |
Slightly soluble, (−)-isomer |