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Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name (5R)-5-Methyl-2-(propan-2-ylidene)cyclohexan-1-one | |
Other names p-Menth-4(8)-en-3-one; δ-4(8)-p-Menthen-3-one; (R)-2-Isopropylidene-5-methylcyclohexanone; (R)-p-Menth-4(8)-en-3-one; (R)-(+)-Pulegone | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
ChEBI | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.767 |
PubChem CID | |
UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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Properties | |
C10H16O | |
Molar mass | 152.237 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Colorless oil |
Density | 0.9346 g/cm3 |
Boiling point | 224 °C (435 °F; 497 K) |
Insoluble | |
Solubility in organic solvent | Miscible |
Hazards | |
Safety data sheet (SDS) | MSDS [2] |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
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. [3] [4] It is classified as a monoterpenoid, which means that it is an oxidized derivative of a terpene, a large class of naturally occurring C10 hydrocarbons.
Pulegone is a colorless oil with a pleasant odor similar to pennyroyal, peppermint, and camphor. It is used in flavoring agents, in perfumery, and in aromatherapy.
Pulegone comprises 75% of the oil pressed from pennyroyal, which is cultivated for that purpose. Hydrogenation of pulegone gives menthone. Pulegone is also a precursor to menthofuran, another flavorant. [5]
It was reported that the chemical is toxic to rats if a large quantity is consumed. [6] [7]
Pulegone is also an insecticide − the most powerful of three insecticides naturally occurring in many mint species. [8]
As of October 2018, the FDA withdrew authorization for the use of pulegone as a synthetic flavoring substance for use in food, but that naturally-occurring pulegone can continue to be used. [9]
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