Food safety and quality: details

Flavouring	Menthol
Synonym(s)
Latest JECFA evaluation	2018 (Session 86)
Status of specification	Full
Information required
Chemical name	3-p-Menthanol
JECFA number	427
CAS number	89-78-1
FEMA number	2665
COE number	63
FLAVIS number
Molecular weight	156.27
Chemical formula	C10H20O
Physical form/odour	colourless, hexagonal crystals, usually needle-like; fused masses or crystalline powder with a pleasant, peppermint-like odour
Solubility	very soluble in alcohol and volatile oils; slightly soluble in water
Solubility in ethanol
Boiling point (°C)	212° ((-)-isomer 216.5)
Assay min %	95% (sum of 2 isomers)
Acid value max
Refractive index	1.461
Specific gravity	0.901 (20°); 0.891 (30°)
Other requirements	Melting Range: 41-44° ((-)-menthol); Nonvolatile Residue: =< 0.05%; Angular Rotation: -52° to -40° ((-)-menthol): -2° to +2° (dl-menthol)
ID Test	IR
Spectrum