Menthol (redirected from mentholated)

menthol, white crystalline substance with a characteristic pungent odor. It is derived from the oil of the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita (see mint), or prepared synthetically from coal tar. An alcohol, menthol is freely soluble in ethyl alcohol, ether, and chloroform. It is a local anesthetic and helps relieve itching, and because it imparts a tingling sensation to the skin, it is used in after shave lotions and skin fresheners. It is also used in throat lozenges, inhalers, and as a flavoring.

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menthol

Crystalline organic compound of the isoprenoid family. It has a strong, minty, cooling odour and taste. It is obtained from the oil of the Japanese mint or made synthetically and is used in cigarettes, cosmetics, chest rubs, cough drops, toothpastes, and flavourings. Of its two optical isomers (see optical activity; isomerism), only l-menthol has the desirable cooling effect.

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menthol

an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O

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menthol [′men‚thȯl]

(organic chemistry)

CH₃C₆H₉(C₃H₇)OH An alcohol-soluble, white crystalline compound that may exist in levo form or a mixture of dextro and levo isomers; used in medicines and perfumes, and as a flavoring agent. Also known as peppermint camphor.

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Menthol 

3-methyl-6-isopropylcyclohexanol; colorless crystals with a peppermint odor and a slightly bitter taste.

Menthol is readily soluble in organic solvents and slightly soluble in water. It has a strong cooling effect on the skin. There are 12 known stereoisomers, the most widely occurring in nature being the levorotatory ( — )-menthol (melting point, 43°C; boiling point, 216°C). This form is the principal constituent of peppermint oil (to 50 percent) and Japanese mint oil (to 90 percent); the congelation process is used to extract it. Menthol is usually synthesized by the hydrogenation of thymol.

Menthol is a mild analgesic and disinfectant. It is used externally in alcohol, ether-alcohol, and oil-based solutions to relieve itching, neuralgia, and migraine. Menthol ointments, inhalants, and nose drops are prescribed for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract (common cold, tracheitis). Menthol is prepared in emulsion form for internal use as a sedative in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal diseases. Ingakamf inhalers, Zelenin drops, and Validol are menthol-containing products. Menthol is also used in perfume and cosmetics (in dental-care products), in the food industry (liqueurs, candy), and in flavoring tobacco.