CompoundList
Sign in
Alcohols and polyols

(-)-Menthol

Also known as l-Menthol, Levomenthol, l-(-)-Menthol

CAS 2216-51-5Formula C10H20OMolar mass 156.27 g/molEC 201-939-0
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 169 suppliers listed
Get quotes Compare 169 suppliers
(-)-Menthol chemical structure, C10H20O, CAS 2216-51-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals or granules
Melting point
41 to 43
Boiling point
212 °C
Density
0.890
Flash point
91.1 °C
HS code
290611
Category
Alcohols and polyols
Illustrative photo, a shrink wrapped pallet of kraft paper sacks in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is (-)-Menthol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

(-)-menthol is a p-menthan-3-ol which has (1R,2S,5R)-stereochemistry. It is the most common naturally occurring enantiomer. It has a role as an antitussive, an antispasmodic drug and an antipruritic drug. It is an enantiomer of a (+)-menthol.

(-)-Menthol is an organic compound used as flavouring and analgesic.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol
CAS number
2216-51-5 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 114376-98-6, 1490-04-6, 89-78-1, 98167-53-4
EC numbers
201-939-0, 218-690-9, 239-388-3, 810-475-3
Molecular formula
C10H20O
UNII
BZ1R15MTK7, YS08XHA860
MDL number
MFCD00062979
InChIKey
NOOLISFMXDJSKH-KXUCPTDWSA-N
InChI
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
Canonical SMILES
CC1CCC(C(C)C)C(O)C1
Isomeric SMILES
C[C@@H]1CC[C@H]([C@@H](C1)O)C(C)C

Synonyms

  • l-Menthol
  • Levomenthol
  • l-(-)-Menthol
  • (-)-Menthyl alcohol
  • Levomentholum
  • U.S.P. Menthol
  • (1R)-(-)-Menthol
  • (-)-(1R,3R,4S)-Menthol
  • D-(-)-Menthol
  • (-)-trans-p-Menthan-cis-ol
  • levomentol
  • (1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol
  • Menthol, (1R,3R,4S)-(-)-
  • (1R,3R,4S)-(-)-Menthol
  • (1R-(1-alpha,2-beta,5-alpha))-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol
  • (1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol
  • (1alpha,2beta,5alpha)-5-methyl-2(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol
  • levomentolo
  • Auvon 4% Menthol Pain Relief Gel
  • Freegells Cough Drops Menthol 30ct
  • Freegells Cough Drops Menthol 80ct
  • Cough Drops Freegells Strawberry 30ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Cherry 30ct
  • Freegells Cough Drops Honey Lemon 30ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Menthol 30ct
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Menthol 80ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Cherry 200ct
  • Freegells Cough Drops Honey Lemon 200ct
  • Menthol Drops Dollar General Severe 45ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Menthol 160ct
  • Freegells Cough Drops Menthol Cherry 30ct
  • Freegells Cough Drops Menthol Cherry 80ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Strawberry 30ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Honey Lemon 30ct
  • Cough Drops Dollar General Honey Lemon 200ct
  • Menthol Drops Dollar General Severe Honey Lemon 45ct
  • (1R,2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol
  • Menthacamphor

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Crystals or granulesexp.
Odour
Peppermint odorexp.
Taste
Peppermint tasteexp.
Melting point
41 to 43exp.
Boiling point
212 °Cexp.
Density
0.890exp.
Flash point
91.1 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 456 mg/l @ 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1 mmHg at 133 °F approximatelyexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
156.27 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
156.1514 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
2.44calc.
Topological polar surface area
20.23 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
11calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
3calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1CCCCC1

C1CCCCC1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Cyclohexane ring system.

24,737 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (9)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

(-)-Menthol suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 169 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

169 suppliers in 27 countries

Send one request to many suppliers

Choose up to 10 suppliers or let us match your request. Compare quotes side by side, free.

Choose suppliersPost a request

(-)-Menthol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

Get latest price

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Medication: topical antipruritic, medication (Vet): has been used as a mild local anesthetic, antiseptic & internally as a carminative & gastric sedative (Menthol).

In chewing gum, chest rubs (menthol).

As an ingredient in preparations for the nose & throat, in ointments to relieve local irritations or for counterirritant purposes, in throat lozenges, antipruritic (menthol).

Industrial uses: Flavoring and nutrient, Odor agents, Fragrance, Fixing agent (mordant).

Consumer uses: Fragrance, Odor agents, Flavoring and nutrient.

Roles

  • antipruritic drug
  • antispasmodic drug
  • antitussive
  • dermatologic drug
  • muscle relaxant
  • neuromuscular agent
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Fragrance

Pharmacology

Levomenthol is a levo isomer of menthol, an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or mint oils with flavoring and local anesthetic properties. When added to pharmaceuticals and foods, menthol functions as a fortifier for peppermint flavors. It also has a counterirritant effect on skin and mucous membranes, thereby producing a local analgesic or anesthetic effect.

How it is made

Obtained from peppermint oil or other mint oils, or prepared synthetically by hydrogenation of thymol. (Menthol)

A synthetic process for menthol involves the hydrogenation of thymol or 3-hydroxy-p-cymene which can be obtained from essential oils are produced synthetically from p-cymene (isopropypltoluene) or meta-cresol

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: Menthol, Ref no: 338, Annex ref: III/338

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code (-)-Menthol is traded under.

HS 2906.11Indicative HS code

Menthol

World exports in 2024
$699M
+8.8% vs 2023, imports $669M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China28.4%
  2. India * partner reported24.1%
  3. Germany20.7%
Top importers
  1. India * partner reported21.3%
  2. China17.9%
  3. United States10.9%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for (-)-Menthol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about (-)-Menthol, based on the data on this page

What is (-)-Menthol?

(-)-menthol is a p-menthan-3-ol which has (1R,2S,5R)-stereochemistry. It is the most common naturally occurring enantiomer. It has a role as an antitussive, an antispasmodic drug and an antipruritic drug. It is an enantiomer of a (+)-menthol.

What is the CAS number of (-)-Menthol?

The CAS registry number of (-)-Menthol is 2216-51-5. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 114376-98-6, 1490-04-6, 89-78-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of (-)-Menthol?

The molecular formula of (-)-Menthol is C10H20O and its molar mass is 156.27 g/mol.

What is (-)-Menthol used for?

Medication: topical antipruritic, medication (Vet): has been used as a mild local anesthetic, antiseptic & internally as a carminative & gastric sedative (Menthol). In chewing gum, chest rubs (menthol).

Is (-)-Menthol hazardous?

(-)-Menthol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of (-)-Menthol?

(-)-Menthol is usually classified under HS code 290611 (Menthol). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy (-)-Menthol?

CompoundList lists 169 suppliers of (-)-Menthol in China, United States, India, Germany and 23 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy (-)-Menthol in India?

26 suppliers in India list (-)-Menthol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of (-)-Menthol?

Suppliers quote (-)-Menthol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle (-)-Menthol

Get quotes for (-)-Menthol

Post one free request with your grade, quantity and destination. Matching suppliers send quotes you can compare side by side.
Post a request Sell (-)-Menthol
Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
Embed this structure on your websiteShow code

Paste this code into your page to show the 2D structure of (-)-Menthol with a 3D view, its CAS number where known and a link back to this page. Free to use with the link kept.

<iframe src="https://www.compoundlist.com/embed/structure/menthol-2216-51-5" title="(-)-Menthol structure on CompoundList" width="360" height="420" style="border:1px solid #E7E2DA;border-radius:12px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
Preview the embed

Explore more in Alcohols and polyols or HS code 290611

169 suppliers
Free quotes, contact stays private
Get quotes