What is DL-Menthol CAS 89-78-1?

DL-Menthol is the synthetic racemic mixture of D- and L-menthol. CAS 89-78-1 identifies this racemic grade, with molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O and a molecular weight of 156.27 g/mol.

What are the main uses of DL-Menthol?

DL-Menthol is used in flavors, oral care, personal care and pharmaceutical products. Common examples include chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, topical analgesics, cough drops and mint-flavored industrial or tobacco products.

How is DL-Menthol different from natural L-menthol?

DL-Menthol is a racemic mixture and has an optical rotation near zero, while natural L-menthol is the optically active isomer. Both provide cooling and mint character, but DL-menthol is a consistent synthetic option for cost-sensitive formulations.

Which DL-Menthol grade should I choose for food, pharmaceutical or industrial use?

Confirm the required assay, melting range, optical rotation and residual terpene profile. Food and pharmaceutical formulations typically need USP/FCC-compliant material, while industrial fragrance or tobacco applications may accept a broader technical grade.

How should DL-Menthol be stored to prevent melting or degradation?

Store DL-Menthol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area protected from light. Its melting point is about 34–36 °C, so avoid sustained heat above 30 °C and keep it away from strong oxidizers.

DL-Menthol CAS 89-78-1

DL-Menthol (CAS 89-78-1) is a synthetic racemic mixture of D- and L-menthol supplied as a cooling agent and flavor ingredient. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 89-78-1
Synonyms: Racemic Menthol, dl-Menthol, p-Menthan-3-ol, Hexahydrothymol, (±)-Menthol
Einecs: 201-939-0
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O
Grade: Industrial / Food / Pharmaceutical grade available (customizable)
Package: 25 kg fiber drum, 180–200 kg drum, or customized packing

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Product Description

DL-Menthol, CAS 89-78-1, also called racemic menthol or (±)-menthol, is a synthetic racemic mixture of D- and L-menthol; the EC/EINECS number is 201-939-0.

Synonyms: Racemic Menthol; dl-Menthol; p-Menthan-3-ol; Hexahydrothymol; (±)-Menthol.

CAS: 89-78-1.

Molecular formula: C₁₀H₂₀O.

Molecular weight: 156.27.

EC number: 201-939-0.

It is a colorless to white crystalline solid with a characteristic mint odor; the melting point is about 34–36 °C.

The boiling point is about 212–216 °C at 760 mmHg; the density is about 0.89 g/mL at 25 °C.

It is very soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform and acetone, and slightly soluble in water; the flash point is about 93 °C.

It provides a strong cooling sensation and peppermint-like aroma and is used in flavors, fragrances, personal care and pharmaceutical products.

Common applications include chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, topical analgesics, cough drops and mint-flavored tobacco or industrial products.

It differs from natural L-menthol by having an optical rotation near zero; DL-menthol is a consistent synthetic option for cost-sensitive formulations.

Confirm the required assay, melting range, optical rotation and residual terpene profile; food and pharmaceutical grades typically require USP/FCC-compliant material.

Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area protected from light; avoid sustained heat above 30 °C and keep away from strong oxidizers.

Confirm the current product-specific specification.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

Document requirements should be confirmed from the current specification, SDS, COA or other product-specific files.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required specification, quantity, packaging, destination and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is DL-Menthol CAS 89-78-1?

A: DL-Menthol is the synthetic racemic mixture of D- and L-menthol. CAS 89-78-1 identifies this racemic grade, with molecular formula C₁₀H₂₀O and a molecular weight of 156.27 g/mol.
Q:
What are the main uses of DL-Menthol?

A: DL-Menthol is used in flavors, oral care, personal care and pharmaceutical products. Common examples include chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, topical analgesics, cough drops and mint-flavored industrial or tobacco products.
Q:
How is DL-Menthol different from natural L-menthol?

A: DL-Menthol is a racemic mixture and has an optical rotation near zero, while natural L-menthol is the optically active isomer. Both provide cooling and mint character, but DL-menthol is a consistent synthetic option for cost-sensitive formulations.
Q:
Which DL-Menthol grade should I choose for food, pharmaceutical or industrial use?

A: Confirm the required assay, melting range, optical rotation and residual terpene profile. Food and pharmaceutical formulations typically need USP/FCC-compliant material, while industrial fragrance or tobacco applications may accept a broader technical grade.
Q:
How should DL-Menthol be stored to prevent melting or degradation?

A: Store DL-Menthol in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area protected from light. Its melting point is about 34–36 °C, so avoid sustained heat above 30 °C and keep it away from strong oxidizers.

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