Menthol

1Identification

Name

Menthol

IUPAC name

5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol

CAS number

1490-04-6

EC number

216-074-4

Molecular formula

C10H20O

Molecular weight

156.26 g/mol

InChIKey

NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC1CCC(C(C1)O)C(C)C

PubChem CID

1254

Synonyms

MENTHOL, 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, Menthyl alcohol, Mentholum, Mineral ice, 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol, 3-Hydroxy-p-menthane, 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol, Therapeutic mineral ice, MENTHOL, UNSPECIFIED FORM, 1-Methyl-4-isopropyl-3-cyclohexanol, Fisherman's friend lozenges, BOHENAO, RefChem:6462

Recommended uses

• Found in peppermint oil and other mint oils; [Merck Index] Used as flavoring/fragrance agent in toothpastes, mouthwashes, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, aerosol room fresheners, cosmetics, liqueurs, confectionary, and perfumes; Also used as a topical antipruritic and in cough drops and inhalers; [HSDB] Used in Canada to control mites and in Europe in paints and lacquers, adhesives, metal care products, cleaning products, shoe and leather polishes, disinfectants, solvents, repellents, and animal care products; [eChemPortal: SIDSUNEP] Peppermint oil contains menthol, menthone, and more than 30 other chemicals. It is widely used as a flavoring agent and herbal remedy. [Haddad, p. 1439]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• For menthol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 051601) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the USA but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Odor agents
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Fragrance
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Soothing; Denaturant; Masking; Refreshing

Description

• D,l-menthol is a white crystalline solid with a peppermint odor and taste. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• P-menthan-3-ol is any secondary alcohol that is one of the eight possible diastereoisomers of 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol. It has a role as a volatile oil component. It is a p-menthane monoterpenoid and a secondary alcohol.
  ChEBI
• p-menthan-3-ol has been reported in Camellia sinensis, Solanum tuberosum, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

4 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Exposure may also cause hypersensitivity reactions including contact dermatitis, spasms of the glottis and collapse in young children, urticaria, flushing, headache, insomnia, unsteady gait, thick speech, tremor of the hands, mental confusion, depression, vomiting, cramp in the legs and bradycardia.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• A mucous membrane irritant; [Hawley] Emergency treatment: Peppermint oil; [HSDB] A skin, eye, mucous membrane, and upper respiratory tract irritant; [CAMEO] A mild to moderate skin and eye irritant; [eChemPortal: SIDSUNEP] Peppermint oil causes CNS depression and hypothermia in rat feeding studies; Menthol causes ataxia, seizures, and respiratory depression in lethal dose studies of rats; It causes kidney damage and cystic lesions of the cerebellum in chronic studies; [Haddad, p. 1439] Included in list of established contact allergens in humans; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] An irritant; May cause serious eye injury;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Vapors or dust can be irritating in large amounts due to the phenolic character of the compound. The normal sensation is that of a pleasant odor. May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Toxic. Estimated fatal dose, average human, is 2 g. General gastrointestinal upset can occur with pain, vomiting, vertigo, drowsiness and coma. Mild irritant but may cause pain or inflammation on sensitive areas of the skin. Irritant due to its phenolic character. Can cause reddening and tearing (L1264).
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Carbon oxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. For personal protection see section Environmental precautions Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• D,L-MENTHOL is incompatible with butyl chloral hydrate, camphor, phenol, chloral hydrate, Exalgine, betanaphthol, resorcinol or thymol in triturations; potassium permanganate, chromium trioxide and pyrogallol. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Strong oxidizing agents
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatible with phenol; beta-naphthol; resorcinol or thymol in trituration; potassium permanganate; chromium trioxide; pyrogallol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 11 of the supplier's SDS.

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of the pesticidal chemical menthol in or on honey and honeycomb when used in accordance with good agricultural practice in over-wintering bee hives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In 1993, a tolerance exemption was established for residues of menthol in or on beeswax and honey when used in accordance with good agricultural practices in over-wintering hives. The residue data submitted to the Agency in support of the tolerance exemption were adequate, and indicated that menthol residues in honey will not exceed 5 ppm as a result of the registered use. The Agency is concluding that the residue data continue to support the tolerance exemption for the active use of menthol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Menthol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and b) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 1254 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.