Menthyl isovalerate (CAS 16409-46-4) — Sweet Top-middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Menthyl isovalerate
CAS 16409-46-4
What Is Menthyl isovalerate?
Menthyl isovalerate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that creates cooling minty effects with fruity undertones. You’ll find it in chewing gums, breath fresheners, and some fresh mint-themed perfumes. This ester combines the crispness of menthol with the ripe fruitiness of isovaleric acid, making it valuable for creating complex mint accords that avoid being overly medicinal.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Menthyl isovalerate Smell Like?
Menthyl isovalerate opens with an exhilarating burst of icy peppermint that quickly softens into a creamy, fruity heart reminiscent of ripe bananas and pineapple skins. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody-musky base that prevents the mint from feeling thin or fleeting. Unlike pure menthol, it carries a rounded, almost gourmand quality while maintaining excellent diffusion – like a mojito spilled on tropical hardwood.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)CC(=O)OC1CC(C)CCC1C(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Menthyl isovalerate is an ester formed by the condensation of menthol and isovaleric acid. The synthesis typically involves acid-catalyzed esterification under reflux conditions. The menthol moiety provides the cooling sensation and mint character, while the isovalerate portion contributes fruity, slightly sweaty nuances. Being chiral, the sensory properties depend on the menthol isomer used – the L-menthol derivative being most common for its stronger cooling effect.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides long-lasting cooling |
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Mint modifier |
| Functional Products | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Air fresheners, detergents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus oils to prevent the mint from dominating; adds diffusion without harshness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For cleaner mint effects without fruity aspects. Higher volatility makes it better for top notes.
When a more herbal, less sweet mint character is desired. Works well in masculine fragrances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation complete – no significant safety concerns at typical use levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, menthyl isovalerate avoids agricultural impacts associated with natural mint oil production. However, its synthesis from petrochemical-derived isovaleric acid raises carbon footprint concerns. Green chemistry approaches using bio-based isovaleric acid are being explored to improve sustainability.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- PubChem Compound Summary for Menthyl isovalerate PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorLayer 3 · Practical
- Odor Profile: balsamic, fruity, herbal, mint
- FEMA GRAS: 2669
- Molecular Weight: 240.38 g/mol
- LogP (XLogP): 4.90
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID00861678
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 240.387 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.893 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 261 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -3.418 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 113.44 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.453 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 263.597 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.202 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 5.202 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 5.202 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.87 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.009 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 7.816 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 29.26 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120.243 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 71.196 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 28.224 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.
