laevo-menthyl acetate

Laevo-menthyl acetate is an ester compound typically found as the L-isomer of menthyl acetate (PubChem). It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid possessing a characteristic cooling mentholic and minty aroma profile. Commonly listed under various synonyms such as (-)-menthyl acetate and L-acetic acid p-menth-3-yl ester, it is naturally present in essential oils from plants like peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus. Its sensory attributes combine minty, herbal, and slightly fruity notes, making it valuable in flavoring and fragrance applications. The compound is typically sourced through extraction from natural oils or synthesized for use in consumer products.

Laevo-menthyl acetate occurs naturally in a variety of botanical sources including peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus oil, cornmint, lemon balm, mango fruit, raspberry, and buchu oil. Its presence contributes to the characteristic minty and fresh sensory qualities of these plants. The compound is widely utilized as a flavor and fragrance agent to impart cooling, minty, and herbal notes in products such as oral care formulations, confectioneries, perfumes, and personal care items. Usage levels are guided by standards such as FEMA (US) and IFRA (Global), which regulate safe incorporation into fragrances and flavors. It is also approved as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) flavoring substance in many food applications.

Laevo-menthyl acetate (C₁₂H₂₂O₂) is characterized by a molecular weight of approximately 198.3 g/mol. The compound is a moderately lipophilic liquid with an estimated logP value of 4.182, indicating good solubility in alcohols, fixed oils, and propylene glycol, along with slight solubility in water measured near 17 mg/L at 25°C. It has a boiling point range near 229 to 230°C at atmospheric pressure, and a specific gravity close to 0.924 to 0.928 at 20°C. The refractive index ranges between 1.445 and 1.448 at 20°C. Its vapor pressure is low, at approximately 0.071 mmHg at 25°C, supporting stability in formulated products. Optical rotation is negative, between −70 and −75 degrees. The compound remains stable and non-discoloring in multiple cosmetic and personal care product bases such as creams, lotions, bath foams, and lipsticks. The flash point is measured around 189°F (87°C), indicating typical handling precautions for flammable liquids.

	[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexyl] acetate
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	2623-23-6
Pubchem (cid):	220674
Pubchem (sid):	152164857

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEBI:	View
CHEMBL:	View
KEGG (GenomeNet):	C09870
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2915.39.9000
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View
Wikipedia:	View
Formulations/Preparations: grade: 95% min. l-isomer

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 37/38 - Irritating to respiratory system and skin. R 41 - Risk of serious damage to eyes. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Human Experience:
8 % solution: no irritation or sensitization.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 14, Pg. 477, 1976.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 14, Pg. 477, 1976.
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for laevo-menthyl acetate usage levels up to:
	8.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	24.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	5.50000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	5.20000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	4.00000
fruit ices:		-	4.00000
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	26.00000
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):2623-23-6

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :220674

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WISER:UN 3082

WGK Germany:2

[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexyl] acetate

Chemidplus:0002623236

RTECS:AI5900000 for cas# 2623-23-6