Names | |||
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Preferred IUPAC name 5-Methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol | |||
Other names 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol 3-p-Menthanol Hexahydrothymol Menthomenthol Peppermint camphor | |||
Identifiers | |||
3D model (JSmol) | |||
ChEBI | |||
ChEMBL | |||
ChemSpider | |||
DrugBank | |||
ECHA InfoCard | 100.016.992 | ||
EC Number |
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KEGG | |||
PubChem CID | |||
RTECS number |
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UNII |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |||
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Properties | |||
C10H20O | |||
Molar mass | 156.269 g·mol−1 | ||
Appearance | White or colorless crystalline solid | ||
Odor | mint-licorice | ||
Density | 0.890 g·cm−3, solid (racemic or (−)-isomer) | ||
Melting point | 36–38 °C (97–100 °F; 309–311 K) racemic 42–45 °C, (−)-isomer, α crystalline form | ||
Boiling point | 214.6 °C (418.3 °F; 487.8 K) | ||
Slightly soluble, (−)-isomer | |||
Hazards [1] | |||
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |||
Main hazards | Irritant, flammable | ||
GHS labelling: | |||
Warning | |||
H315, H319 | |||
P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362 | |||
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |||
Flash point | 93 °C (199 °F; 366 K) | ||
Safety data sheet (SDS) | External MSDS | ||
Related compounds | |||
Related alcohols | Cyclohexanol, Pulegol, Dihydrocarveol, Piperitol | ||
Related compounds | Menthone, Menthene, Menthane,Thymol, p-Cymene, Citronellal | ||
Supplementary data page | |||
Menthol (data page) | |||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Menthol is an organic compound, specifically a monoterpenoid, that occurs naturally in the oils of several plants in the mint family, such as corn mint and peppermint. It is a white or clear waxy crystalline substance that 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.
For many people, menthol produces a cooling sensation when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin, and mint plants have been used for centuries for topical pain relief and as a food flavoring. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant qualities, and it is widely used to relieve minor throat irritation. Menthol also acts as a weak κ-opioid receptor agonist.
Natural menthol exists as one pure stereoisomer, nearly always the (1R,2S,5R) form (bottom left corner of the diagram below). The eight possible stereoisomers are:
In the natural compound, the isopropyl group is in the trans orientation to both the methyl and hydroxyl groups. Thus, it can be drawn in any of the ways shown:
The (+)- and (−)-enantiomers of menthol are the most stable among these based on their cyclohexane conformations. With the ring itself in a chair conformation, all three bulky groups can orient in equatorial positions.
The two crystal forms for racemic menthol have melting points of 28 °C and 38 °C. Pure (−)-menthol has four crystal forms, of which the most stable is the α form, the familiar broad needles.
Menthol's ability to chemically trigger the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin is responsible for the well-known cooling sensation it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin. [3] In this sense, it is similar to capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the spiciness of hot chilis (which stimulates heat sensors, also without causing an actual change in temperature).
Menthol's analgesic properties are mediated through a selective activation of κ-opioid receptors. [4] Menthol blocks calcium channels [5] and voltage-sensitive sodium channels, reducing neural activity that may stimulate muscles. [6]
Some studies show that menthol acts as a GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator and increases GABAergic transmission in PAG neurons. [7] Menthol has anesthetic properties similar to, though less potent than, propofol because it interacts with the same sites on the GABAA receptor. [8] Menthol may also enhance the activity of glycine receptors and negatively modulate 5-HT3 receptors and nAChRs. [9]
Menthol is widely used in dental care as a topical antibacterial agent, effective against several types of streptococci and lactobacilli. [10] Menthol also lowers blood pressure and antagonizes vasoconstriction through TRPM8 activation. [11]
Mentha arvensis (wild mint) is the primary species of mint used to make natural menthol crystals and natural menthol flakes[ citation needed ]. This species is primarily grown in the Uttar Pradesh region in India.[ citation needed ]
Menthol occurs naturally in peppermint oil (along with a little menthone, the ester menthyl acetate and other compounds), obtained from Mentha × piperita (peppermint). [12] Japanese menthol also contains a small percentage of the 1-epimer neomenthol.[ citation needed ]
The biosynthesis of menthol has been investigated in Mentha × piperita and the enzymes involved in have been identified and characterized. [13] It begins with the synthesis of the terpene limonene, followed by hydroxylation, and then several reduction and isomerization steps.
More specifically, the biosynthesis of (−)-menthol takes place in the secretory gland cells of the peppermint plant. The steps of the biosynthetic pathway are as follows:
Natural menthol is obtained by freezing peppermint oil. The resultant crystals of menthol are then separated by filtration.
Total world production of menthol in 1998 was 12,000 tonnes of which 2,500 tonnes was synthetic. In 2005, the annual production of synthetic menthol was almost double. Prices are in the $10–20/kg range with peaks in the $40/kg region but have reached as high as $100/kg. In 1985, it was estimated that China produced most of the world's supply of natural menthol, although it appears that India has pushed China into second place. [14]
Menthol is manufactured as a single enantiomer (94% e.e.) on the scale of 3,000 tonnes per year by Takasago International Corporation. [15] The process involves an asymmetric synthesis developed by a team led by Ryōji Noyori, who won the 2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry in recognition of his work on this process:
The process begins by forming an allylic amine from myrcene, which undergoes asymmetric isomerisation in the presence of a BINAP rhodium complex to give (after hydrolysis) enantiomerically pure R-citronellal. This is cyclised by a carbonyl-ene-reaction initiated by zinc bromide to isopulegol , which is then hydrogenated to give pure (1R,2S,5R)-menthol.
Another commercial process is the Haarmann–Reimer process (after the company Haarmann & Reimer, now part of Symrise) [16] This process starts from m-cresol which is alkylated with propene to thymol. This compound is hydrogenated in the next step. Racemic menthol is isolated by fractional distillation. The enantiomers are separated by chiral resolution in reaction with methyl benzoate, selective crystallisation followed by hydrolysis.
Racemic menthol can also be formed by hydrogenation of thymol, menthone, or pulegone. In both cases with further processing (crystallizative entrainment resolution of the menthyl benzoate conglomerate) it is possible to concentrate the L-enantiomer, however this tends to be less efficient, although the higher processing costs may be offset by lower raw material costs. A further advantage of this process is that D-menthol becomes inexpensively available for use as a chiral auxiliary, along with the more usual L-antipode. [17]
Menthol is included in many products, and for a variety of reasons.
In organic chemistry, menthol is used as a chiral auxiliary in asymmetric synthesis. For example, sulfinate esters made from sulfinyl chlorides and menthol can be used to make enantiomerically pure sulfoxides by reaction with organolithium reagents or Grignard reagents. Menthol reacts with chiral carboxylic acids to give diastereomic menthyl esters, which are useful for chiral resolution.
Menthol reacts in many ways like a normal secondary alcohol. It is oxidised to menthone by oxidising agents such as chromic acid, dichromate, [25] or by calcium hypochlorite, in a green chemistry route. [26] Under some conditions the oxidation using Cr(VI) compounds can go further and break open the ring. Menthol is easily dehydrated to give mainly 3-menthene, by the action of 2% sulfuric acid. Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) gives menthyl chloride.
In the West, menthol was first isolated in 1771, by the German, Hieronymus David Gaubius. [27] Early characterizations were done by Oppenheim, [28] Beckett, [29] Moriya, [30] and Atkinson. [31] It was named by F. L. Alphons Oppenheim (1833–1877) in 1861. [32]
The estimated lethal dose for menthol (and peppermint oil) in humans may be as low as LD=50–500 mg/kg. In the rat, 3300 mg/kg. In the mouse, 3400 mg/kg. In the cat, 800 mg/kg.
Survival after doses of 8 to 9 g has been reported. [36] Overdose effects are abdominal pain, ataxia, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, coma, dizziness, lethargy, nausea, skin rash, tremor, vomiting, and vertigo. [37]
Peppermint is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species.
Thujone is a ketone and a monoterpene that occurs predominantly in two diastereomeric (epimeric) forms: (−)-α-thujone and (+)-β-thujone.
Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. Together with geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalool is one of the rose alcohols. Linalool has multiple commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent.
Enantioselective synthesis, also called asymmetric synthesis, is a form of chemical synthesis. It is defined by IUPAC as "a chemical reaction in which one or more new elements of chirality are formed in a substrate molecule and which produces the stereoisomeric products in unequal amounts."
Carvone is a member of a family of chemicals called terpenoids. Carvone is found naturally in many essential oils, but is most abundant in the oils from seeds of caraway, spearmint, and dill.
Phenylpiracetam, also known as fonturacetam and sold under the brand names Phenotropil, Actitropil, and Carphedon among others, is a stimulant and nootropic medication used in Russia and certain other Eastern European countries in the treatment of cerebrovascular deficiency, depression, apathy, and attention, and memory problems, among other indications. It is also used in Russian cosmonauts to improve physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. The drug is taken by mouth.
Biocatalysis refers to the use of living (biological) systems or their parts to speed up (catalyze) chemical reactions. In biocatalytic processes, natural catalysts, such as enzymes, perform chemical transformations on organic compounds. Both enzymes that have been more or less isolated and enzymes still residing inside living cells are employed for this task. Modern biotechnology, specifically directed evolution, has made the production of modified or non-natural enzymes possible. This has enabled the development of enzymes that can catalyze novel small molecule transformations that may be difficult or impossible using classical synthetic organic chemistry. Utilizing natural or modified enzymes to perform organic synthesis is termed chemoenzymatic synthesis; the reactions performed by the enzyme are classified as chemoenzymatic reactions.
In stereochemistry, a chiral auxiliary is a stereogenic group or unit that is temporarily incorporated into an organic compound in order to control the stereochemical outcome of the synthesis. The chirality present in the auxiliary can bias the stereoselectivity of one or more subsequent reactions. The auxiliary can then be typically recovered for future use.
Pulegone is a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety of plants such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita, and pennyroyal. It is classified as a monoterpene.
Eucalyptol is a monoterpenoid colorless liquid, and a bicyclic ether. It has a fresh camphor-like odor and a spicy, cooling taste. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with organic solvents. Eucalyptol makes up about 70–90% of eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptol forms crystalline adducts with hydrohalic acids, o-cresol, resorcinol, and phosphoric acid. Formation of these adducts is useful for purification.
Borneol is a bicyclic organic compound and a terpene derivative. The hydroxyl group in this compound is placed in an endo position. The exo diastereomer is called isoborneol. Being chiral, borneol exists as enantiomers, both of which are found in nature.
Menthone is a monoterpene with a minty flavor that occurs naturally in a number of essential oils. l-Menthone, shown at right, is the most abundant in nature of the four possible stereoisomers. It is structurally related to menthol, which has a secondary alcohol in place of the carbonyl. Menthone is used in flavoring, perfume and cosmetics for its characteristic aromatic and minty odor.
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16. Monoterpenes may be linear (acyclic) or contain rings (monocyclic and bicyclic). Modified terpenes, such as those containing oxygen functionality or missing a methyl group, are called monoterpenoids. Monoterpenes and monoterpenoids are diverse. They have relevance to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and food industries.
Minthostachys mollis is a medicinal plant restricted to the South American Andes from Peru to Bolivia. It is the most variable and widely distributed species of the genus Minthostachys. Its common name muña comes from Quechua. Other local names include tipo, tipollo, poleo.
A (−)-menthol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.207) is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
Chirality is a property of asymmetry important in several branches of science. The word chirality is derived from the Greek χείρ (kheir), "hand", a familiar chiral object.
(+)-pulegone reductase (EC 1.3.1.81) is an enzyme with systematic name (−)-menthone:NADP+ oxidoreductase. This enzyme catalises the following chemical reaction
Chiral inversion is the process of conversion of one enantiomer of a chiral molecule to its mirror-image version with no other change in the molecule.
Clinopodium macrostemum, the nurite, hediondilla, or toche, is a plant of the family Lamiaceae.
Chirality timeline presents a timeline of landmark events that unfold the developments happened in the field of chirality.
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: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)Les analogies avec le bornéol me permettent de proposer pour ce corps le nom de menthol,… [Analogies with borneol allow me to propose the name menthol for this substance,…]