Menthyl isovalerate

Description

Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous, somewhat balsamic or root-like. It has a bitter, wood-like taste. Prepared by heating a mixture of ι-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 - 110°C in the presence of trace concentrated H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCL.

Chemical properties

Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous. It has a bitter, wood like taste.

Occurrence

Reported found in several peppermint essential oils: American, French, English, and Russian peppermint and nutmeg

Preparation

Prepared by heating a mixture of l-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 to 110°C in the presence of trace concentrated H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCl.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 80 ppm: fruity, sweet, with a tutti-fruitti background.

Hazard

Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact. A moderate skin contact irritant.