| Boiling Point | 216°C |
| Melting Point | 41–44°C |
| Color | White |
| Linear Formula | C10H19OH |
| Formula Weight | 156.27 |
| Physical Form | Solid |
| Chemical Name or Material | (-)-Menthol |
| Molecular Weight | 156.27 g/mol |
| SMILES String | CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@H]1O |
| CAS Number | 2216-51-5 |
| EC Number | 218-690-9 |
| NACRES | NA.22 |
| PubChem Substance ID | 57647522 |
| UNSPSC Code | 12352001 |
| MDL Number | MFCD00062979 |
| InChI | 1S/C10H20O/c1-7(2)9-5-4-8(3)6-10(9)11/h7-11H,4-6H2,1-3H3/t8-,9+,10-/m1/s1 |
| InChI Key | NOOLISFMXDJSKH-KXUCPTDWSA-N |
| Beilstein/REAXYS Number | 1902293 |
| Quality Level | 200 |
| Reference Assay | 98.0–102.0% |
| Optical Activity | [α]20/D −48 to −51° (c=10% in ethanol) |
| Compendial Compliance | Meets Ph. Eur., BP, USP analytical specification |
| Applications | OTC pharmaceutical formulation (topical analgesics, cough drops, decongestants, chest rubs) |
Menthol is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol best known for the cooling sensation it produces on skin and mucous membranes — a physiological effect caused by its activation of TRPM8 cold-sensing receptors rather than any actual temperature change. Sarchem’s material meets USP (along with Ph. Eur. and BP) compendial standards, the pharmacopeial specification pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on for consistent identity and purity.
Menthol’s cooling and mild local-anesthetic properties make it a workhorse active in over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, including topical analgesic rubs, cough drops, and nasal decongestant formulations. It’s equally important in the flavor and fragrance industry as a mint-flavoring agent, and it’s a common cosmetic and oral-care ingredient wherever a cooling sensory effect is desired.
