Menthol — CAS 1490-04-6
Menthol — CAS 1490-04-6
Menthol (CAS 2216-51-5 natural l-menthol / CAS 1490-04-6 synthetic dl-menthol) is one of the most widely used aroma compounds and functional ingredients in the world, a core raw material across food and beverage flavoring, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and fragrance sectors. UAB An Group Export supplies it in natural and synthetic grades, in crystalline and liquid forms, matched to each customer's formulation and application requirements.
It is characterized by its powerful, clean, intensely minty aroma and well-known cooling sensation — produced by its selective activation of cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucous membranes without actually lowering temperature. This unique combination of aroma character and physiological cooling effect makes menthol one of the most functionally distinctive and commercially important ingredients across flavor, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications globally.
For industrial buyers, supply is coordinated around grade, enantiomeric form, purity, physical form, volume, packaging, and delivery destination, in line with applicable product, food-safety, and pharmaceutical regulations. Bulk and commercial orders are both handled — send your requirements and we'll prepare a quote covering supply, packaging, logistics, and delivery.
Natural vs. Synthetic Menthol — Which Grade Do You Need?
Natural l-menthol (CAS 2216-51-5) is derived from cornmint oil (Mentha arvensis) or peppermint oil by crystallization — it is the (1R,2S,5R) enantiomer that produces the characteristic strong cooling sensation, qualifies for natural flavor and natural fragrance designation under US and EU regulations, and is the standard grade for pharmaceutical and premium food applications. It commands a significant price premium over synthetic material and is subject to agricultural supply variability, particularly from Indian cornmint production which dominates global supply.
Synthetic dl-menthol (CAS 1490-04-6) is a racemic mixture of eight stereoisomers produced by chemical synthesis — lower cost, more consistent supply, chemically similar but not identical in cooling profile to natural l-menthol, and cannot be labeled as natural flavor or natural fragrance. The standard grade for price-sensitive food, functional fragrance, and industrial applications where natural designation is not required.
If you are unsure which grade suits your application and labeling requirements, include your market, application, and labeling needs in your quotation request and we will advise accordingly.
Key Applications
Food & Beverage FlavoringOne of the most widely used flavor ingredients globally — a primary flavoring agent in mint confectionery, chewing gum, oral care products, beverages, and tobacco products. FEMA GRAS listed and permitted under EU flavoring regulations. Used both as a direct flavor ingredient and as a cooling agent independent of mint flavor character.
Pharmaceuticals & OTC ProductsUsed as an active ingredient and excipient in a wide range of pharmaceutical and OTC products including topical analgesics, cough and cold preparations, throat lozenges, nasal decongestants, and oral care formulations. Available in USP/BP/EP pharmacopeia grades.
Personal Care & Oral CareA primary functional ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, breath fresheners, shaving products, and skin care formulations providing cooling sensation and fresh mint character.
Fine Fragrance & PerfumeryUsed as a fresh, minty top note in fine fragrance composition, contributing cooling, clean, and aromatic facets to aromatic fougère, fresh, and sport fragrance structures.
Functional FragranceUsed in household and personal care product fragrancing including fabric care, cleaning products, and air care formulations where fresh, minty, and cooling notes are required.
TobaccoUsed as a flavoring and cooling agent in menthol tobacco products globally.
Industrial ApplicationsUsed as a raw material and intermediate in the synthesis of menthyl esters, menthyl lactate, and other menthol derivatives used in cooling and flavor applications.
Supply & Packaging
Supplied according to your required grade (natural l-menthol or synthetic dl-menthol), physical form (crystalline flakes, needles, or liquid), pharmacopeia standard (USP/BP/EP where applicable), purity, quantity, packaging, and destination. Depending on the order, options include bags, fiber drums, or bulk shipment. Bulk quantities are available on request.
Menthol is a crystalline solid at room temperature (melting point approximately 42–45°C) with a powerful, penetrating minty odor — packaging, storage, and handling should account for its volatility and odor permeability, which can affect adjacent stored materials if not properly contained. Packaging, transport, and handling are arranged according to the product grade and applicable food-safety or pharmaceutical handling requirements.
Product Documentation
Available on request, depending on the specific product and supply arrangement:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA), including enantiomeric purity and optical rotation where applicable
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
IFRA Conformity Statement
Allergen declaration
FEMA GRAS documentation
Natural origin declaration (natural l-menthol where applicable)
Pharmacopeia compliance documentation (USP/BP/EP)
Kosher/Halal certification (where available)
Shipping and transport documentation
Compliance statement:
"All orders are subject to business registration verification prior to shipment. UAB An Group Export reserves the right to request additional documentation or decline an order where end use, destination, or buyer information cannot be adequately confirmed."
Request a Quote
Whether you need menthol for food and beverage flavoring, pharmaceutical formulations, oral care, personal care, fine fragrance, or another qualified application, provide your requirements and our team will review the available supply options.
For a quotation, please provide: required grade (natural or synthetic) → physical form → pharmacopeia standard if applicable → purity → quantity → packaging → application and end-use market → labeling requirements (natural vs. synthetic) → delivery country/city or port → required delivery timeframe