(1S,2R,5R)-(+)-Isomenthol
(1S,2R,5R)-(+)-Isomenthol is a stereoisomer of menthol, a compound commonly found in mint oils and used in various applications such as flavoring, fragrances, and medicinal products due to its cooling and soothing properties. The notation (1S,2R,5R) describes the specific spatial arrangement of the atoms in the molecule, indicating the stereochemistry at the 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions of the cyclohexane ring.
Here’s a breakdown of the notation:
- (1S): The carbon at position 1 has an S configuration.
- (2R): The carbon at position 2 has an R configuration.
- (5R): The carbon at position 5 has an R configuration.
- (+) indicates that this isomer is dextrorotatory, meaning it rotates plane-polarized light to the right.
Isomenthol differs from menthol in the spatial arrangement of its substituents on the cyclohexane ring, which affects its physical and chemical properties. This specific isomer, (1S,2R,5R)-(+)-Isomenthol, is one of several possible stereoisomers of menthol and is less common than the more widely known (−)-menthol [(1R,2S,5R)-menthol].