L-Menthol Crystals

 

L-Menthol Crystals (CAS 2216-51-5, INCI name -distilled essential oil standardized to >99.5% L-menthol, distilled from Mentha haplocalyx steam distillate. Baisifu supplies food-grade, BP/USP and Ph.Eur. equivalent batches from a Xi’an facility, with every drum shipped with a COA, allergen declaration and IFRA documentation.

What the compound is

L-Menthol Crystals (CAS 2216-51-5) are the (+)-menthol enantiomer isolated from mint oil by crystallisation. The material supplied here is a white, crystalline solid standardised to a minimum of 99.5 percent (+)-menthol by GC, isolated from Mentha haplocalyx steam distillate by freezing and crystallisation. It is a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol whose cooling, fresh, minty character and TRPM8 receptor activity have made it a pharmacopoeial, flavour and fragrance staple for over a century.

Botanical source and isolation

Mint oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of Mentha haplocalyx; the crude oil is chilled to below minus 20 degrees Celsius, causing the menthol fraction to crystallise out. The crude crystals are filtered, washed with cold solvent and recrystallised to a minimum of 99.5 percent (+)-menthol. Baisifu does not synthesise menthol from m-cresol or citronellal; the material is natural-source, and the optical rotation confirms the (+)-enantiomer identity.

Identity and purity by GC

Every batch is assayed by gas chromatography against a pharmacopoeial menthol reference standard. The purity floor is 99.5 percent (+)-menthol, with residual menthone, isomenthone and 1,8-cineole making up the balance. The optical rotation is measured and printed on the COA so buyers can confirm that the material is dextrorotatory natural menthol rather than synthetic racemic menthol or a synthetic (-)-menthol material.

Physical and sensory behaviour

L-Menthol is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature, melting near 42 degrees Celsius, boiling near 212 degrees and subliming readily in open air. Its odour is a strong, fresh, clean minty top note with an immediate cooling effect on skin and mucosa; the material is a high-impact flavour and fragrance ingredient used at trace levels and a functional active in pharmaceutical, oral-care and cooling-balm applications.

Typical applications

L-Menthol Crystals enter the following formulation workflows:

• confectionery and chewing-gum flavours
• oral-care toothpaste and mouthwash
• pharmaceutical cooling and analgesic rubs
• fine fragrance and functional perfumery
• beverage and throat-lozenge flavours
• cosmetic cooling formulations

Formulation and blending notes

Menthol sublimes at room temperature, so it must be stored in sealed containers to avoid weight loss. It is soluble in ethanol, fixed oils and most organic solvents and disperses in propylene glycol on warming. Menthol is a high-impact material; overuse produces a burning rather than cooling sensation, and the material should not be applied undiluted to skin or mucosa.

COA and batch documentation

Each drum ships with a Certificate of Analysis carrying the GC chromatogram, (+)-menthol purity assay, optical rotation, melting range, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) and pesticide residue screen. An allergen declaration, an IFRA conformity statement, a Statement of Origin and a natural-source confirmation complete the pack, giving QC and regulatory teams a single-shipment document set.

Regulatory and compliance

L-menthol is listed as FEMA GRAS 2213 and is permitted in flavour and fragrance applications under the IFRA Code of Practice with a relatively wide margin. The material meets BP, USP and Ph.Eur. menthol monographs when the purity and optical rotation floors are satisfied. Under EU CLP natural menthol is not classified as hazardous at the typical purity, but standard Hazmat assessment should be performed for bulk movement.

Packaging, storage and supply

L-Menthol Crystals are filled into 25 kg fibreboard drums with an inner double polyethylene liner, sealed under COA. Store in a cool, dry, sealed place away from direct sunlight and heat; the recommended storage temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius with a shelf life of 36 months from manufacture in original sealed packaging. Baisifu ships ex-Xi’an, MOQ 25 kg for sample development and 500 kg and above for production orders; standard lead time 7 to 15 days depending on batch availability, with express air freight on request.

Questions buyers ask

Is this natural-source or synthetic menthol?

This is natural-source (+)-menthol crystallised from Mentha haplocalyx steam distillate; Baisifu does not synthesise menthol from m-cresol or citronellal. The optical rotation on the COA confirms the dextrorotatory natural identity.

What purity can you guarantee?

The standardised grade is assayed by GC to a minimum of 99.5 percent (+)-menthol against a pharmacopoeial reference standard; the exact figure, the optical rotation, the melting range and the residual impurity profile are printed on the COA of every drum.

Can you supply BP, USP or Ph.Eur. grade?

Yes. The natural-source 99.5 percent grade meets the identity and purity requirements of BP, USP and Ph.Eur. menthol monographs; state the target monograph and we will confirm whether the current batch qualifies before you commit.

Need specifications, COA, or a wholesale quote? Contact Baisifu — typical response within 24 hours.