Menthyl isovalerate

Synonym(s):Menthyl 3-methylbutanoate

CAS NO.：16409-46-4
Empirical Formula: C15H28O2
Molecular Weight: 240.38
MDL number: MFCD00045488
EINECS: 240-460-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-28 02:45:07

What is Menthyl isovalerate?

Description

Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous, somewhat balsamic or root-like. It has a bitter, wood-like taste. Prepared by heating a mixture of ι-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 - 110°C in the presence of trace concentrated H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCL.

Chemical properties

Menthyl isovalerate has an odor similar to both menthol and isovaleric acid, sweet and herbaceous. It has a bitter, wood like taste.

Occurrence

Reported found in several peppermint essential oils: American, French, English, and Russian peppermint and nutmeg

Preparation

Prepared by heating a mixture of l-menthol and isovaleric acid at 100 to 110°C in the presence of trace concentrated H2SO4 or at 100°C in the presence of HCl.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 80 ppm: fruity, sweet, with a tutti-fruitti background.

Hazard

Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact. A moderate skin contact irritant.

Properties of Menthyl isovalerate

Melting point:	1.3°C (estimate)
Boiling point:	260-262 °C750 mm Hg(lit.)
Density	0.909 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
refractive index	1.4486
FEMA	2669 \| MENTHYL ISOVALERATE
Flash point:	>230 °F
Odor	at 100.00 %. fruity cooling sweet woody
optical activity	[α]20/D 64°, neat
JECFA Number	432
EPA Substance Registry System	Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl ester (16409-46-4)

Safety information for Menthyl isovalerate

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.