l-Menthol

Synonyms

(l)-Menthol; (-)-Menthol; (-)-Menthyl alcohol; (-)-trans-p-Menthan-cis-ol; (1R)-(-)-Menthol; l-(-)-Menthol; l-Menthol (natural); Levomenthol; Levomentholum [INN-Latin]; Menthol, (1R,3R,4S)-(-)-; Menthol, l-; U.S.P. Menthol; (-)-(1R,3R,4S)-Menthol; Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1R,2S,5R)-; Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1R,3R,4S)-; Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1R-(1alpha,2beta,5alpha))-; [ChemIDplus] (1R,2S,5R)-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol; Peppermint camphor; [Merck Index] (1R,3R,4S)-(-)-Menthol (8CI); [RTECS] L-Menthol; [OECD SIDS]

Category

Plant Oils and Extracts

Description

Solid with an odor of peppermint; [Merck Index] Colorless crystalline solid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Found in peppermint oil and other mint oils; Used as a flavor/fragrance in liqueurs, confectionary, perfumes, cigarettes, cough drops, and nasal inhalers; Also used as a topical antipruritic and veterinary local anesthetic, antiseptic, carminative, and gastric sedative; [Merck Index] Used in Canada to control mites and in Europe in paints and lacquers, adhesives, metal care products, cleaning products, shoe and leather care products, disinfectants, solvents, repellents, cosmetics, odor agents, and animal care products; [OECD SIDS]

Comments

Causes general anesthesia in intraperitoneal lethal-dose studies of rats; [RTECS] Included in list of "established contact allergens in humans"; [ToxPlanet: EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] An eye and moderate mucous membrane irritant; No skin sensitization observed in maximization test of 24 volunteers at 8% in petrolatum; Reports of sensitivity reactions to mentholated products; [HSDB] Menthol isomers demonstrate moderate skin and mild eye irritation; Low potential for skin sensitization; Low order of toxicity in repeated-dose oral studies (no specific systemic effects); No evidence of toxicity to fertility or development, teratogenicity, or carcinogenicity; [OECD SIDS] An irritant that may cause serious eye injury; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Menthol."

Biomedical References

0.064 mm Hg

1 ppm, STEL = 3 ppm (OARS WEEL)

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides
• Working with Glues and Adhesives