Racemic menthol is a mixture of equal parts of the two enantiomers of menthol: (+)-menthol and (−)-menthol. Menthol itself is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol that is widely used in various applications, including as a flavoring agent, in medicinal products for its cooling and analgesic properties, and in cosmetics.
Key Points about Racemic Menthol:
- Enantiomers:
- (+)-Menthol: Also known as levo-menthol, it has a specific rotation of +49°.
- (−)-Menthol: Also known as dextro-menthol, it has a specific rotation of −49°.
- Racemic menthol is a 1:1 mixture of these two enantiomers and is optically inactive.
- Properties:
- Racemic menthol retains the characteristic cooling sensation of menthol but may differ slightly in intensity or sensory profile compared to the pure enantiomers.
- It has the same chemical formula (C₁₀H₂₀O) and molecular weight (156.27 g/mol) as pure menthol.
- Synthesis:
- Racemic menthol can be synthesized through chemical processes that do not favor the formation of one enantiomer over the other. For example, hydrogenation of thymol or isopulegol can produce racemic menthol.
- Applications:
- Used in pharmaceuticals, such as in cough drops, throat lozenges, and topical analgesics.
- Found in flavoring agents for food, beverages, and oral care products.
- Incorporated into cosmetics and personal care products for its cooling and soothing effects.
- Comparison with Pure Enantiomers:
- The (−)-menthol enantiomer is the most biologically active form and is responsible for the strong cooling sensation.
- Racemic menthol is less potent than pure (−)-menthol but is often used in industrial applications due to its lower cost and ease of production.
- Regulatory Status:
- Menthol, including racemic menthol, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies like the FDA when used in appropriate concentrations.
Racemic menthol is a versatile compound that combines the properties of both enantiomers, making it useful in a wide range of industries.
杭州|蜂竞生物 联系17767155726，E-mail:hwl5726@163.com
Company: Hangzhou Fengjing Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Telephone: 0086-571-64652310
Email: hwl5726@163.com
Address: No. 8 Zhongtong Road, Eshan She Ethnic Township, Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province