dl-Neomenthol (CAS 3623-51-6) — Woody Top-Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
dl-Neomenthol
CAS 3623-51-6
What Is dl-Neomenthol?
dl-Neomenthol is a synthetic cooling agent found in chewing gums, cough drops, and topical analgesics. It provides a refreshing minty sensation without the intensity of natural menthol. This ingredient matters because it offers consistent quality and stability compared to plant-derived alternatives, making it ideal for mass-produced consumer products requiring precise dosing.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does dl-Neomenthol Smell Like?
dl-Neomenthol delivers a crisp, clean mintiness with subtle woody undertones. Unlike the sharp punch of l-menthol, it unfolds as a cooler, more restrained freshness reminiscent of crushed eucalyptus leaves. The dry-down reveals faint herbal nuances that linger without overwhelming, making it ideal for products requiring sustained cooling without olfactory fatigue.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the aquatic freshness with its cooling effect, creating the sensation of ocean mist without actual mint dominance.
Provides subtle cooling contrast to the soapy neroli accord, enhancing cleanliness perception.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
dl-Neomenthol is a stereoisomer of menthol belonging to the monoterpenoid class. Unlike natural l-menthol from peppermint oil, it’s synthesized via hydrogenation of thymol or isomerization of other menthol isomers. The racemic mixture lacks the strong menthol receptor activation but retains sufficient cooling properties for functional applications. Its molecular structure allows better solubility in polar solvents compared to natural menthol.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 212 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 35-37 °C |
| Flash Point | 93 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides cooling without bitterness |
| Topical Rubs | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Lower irritation potential than l-menthol |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to reduce the harshness of l-menthol in cooling blends while maintaining efficacy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Stronger cooling effect but more irritating at higher concentrations.
Synthetic coolant with no odor, used when pure cooling is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Considered safe for all applications.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety at current use levels in cosmetics.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids peppermint crop variability and reduces agricultural land use. Manufacturing processes have been optimized to minimize waste and energy consumption compared to early menthol synthesis routes.
Explore dl-Neomenthol
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Neomenthol CID 6438205
- Eccles R (1994). Menthol and related cooling compounds. J Pharm Pharmacol. DOI:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03751.x
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID20883998
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 156.269 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.99 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 211.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 51.6 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 88.495 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.457 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 175.542 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.45 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.242 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.242 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.6 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.023 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 9.449 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 29.625 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 129.72 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 47.833 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 18.963 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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