(+)-Neomenthol (CAS 2216-52-6) — Green Top-middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
(+)-Neomenthol
CAS 2216-52-6
What Is (+)-Neomenthol?
(+)-Neomenthol is a minty-smelling compound primarily encountered in synthetic fragrance formulations. It provides a crisp, cooling sensation similar to peppermint but with greater stability. This ingredient matters because it offers perfumers precise control over minty accords without the volatility of natural mint oils, allowing for longer-lasting freshness in products like aftershaves and body sprays.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does (+)-Neomenthol Smell Like?
(+)-Neomenthol delivers an icy, crystalline mint character with remarkable purity—like frozen peppermint leaves crushed between frosted glass. Unlike the herbaceous warmth of natural menthol, this stereoisomer presents a laser-sharp cooling effect that persists through the heart phase. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody undertone, making it ideal for modern fougères where traditional mint notes might fade too quickly. When overdosed, it can impart an almost medicinal chill reminiscent of cough drops, but at proper levels creates an invigorating alpine freshness.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a synthetic mint enhancer in the iconic aquatic fougère structure, providing persistent cooling without overpowering the marine notes.
Contributes to the crisp top note accord, blending with violet leaf to create a dewy, freshly-cut grass impression.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
(+)-Neomenthol is a monoterpenoid alcohol and stereoisomer of menthol, differing in the configuration of its hydroxyl group. Industrially produced via hydrogenation of piperitone or isomerization of menthol, its synthesis allows precise control over stereochemistry. The (+) enantiomer exhibits stronger cooling properties than its (-) counterpart due to more efficient TRPM8 receptor binding. Unlike natural menthol mixtures, synthetic production yields 99%+ optical purity, making it valuable for consistent fragrance performance.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 212 °C (est.) |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 62-64 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Cooling modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Oral care products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create a ‘frosted violet’ effect in floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Natural mixture of stereoisomers with stronger initial impact but faster evaporation. Use when authentic mint character is preferred.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Evaluated as safe for current fragrance use levels by RIFM (2015).
Sustainability
Synthetic production from renewable turpentine sources reduces pressure on natural mint crops. The high-purity process minimizes waste compared to natural extraction methods.
Explore (+)-Neomenthol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- Eccles R. (1994). Menthol and related cooling compounds. J Pharm Pharmacol. PMID 7532745
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 2216-52-6Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 156.26 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 216.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 91.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0862💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.523💻 Calculated |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | minty• leffingwell |
| d -Neomenthol has a menthol-like odor. It is used in mixtures of menthols as a substitute for l -menthol.📖 Fenaroli | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.81 ppm📖 van Gemert |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9044326
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 156.269 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.898 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 214.747 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -22 °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) | 3.4 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 | 0.003 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.043 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| 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.
