Menthol | Uses, Preparation, & Properties |

Menthol.

It is monocyclic monoterpene secondary alcohol, having the structure:

Menthol occurs inwards peppermint petroleum as well as japanese mint oil.

Preparation of menthol.

(1) From peppermint or mint oil. The petroleum is chilled when crystals of menthol separate. These are purified past times recrystallisation.

(2) From Thymol. Menthol is also obtained past times catalytic hydrogenation of thymol.

Physical Properties Of Menthol.

Menthol is a white crystalline company amongst a rigid minty smell as well as cooling taste. It melts at 42°C and boils at 216°C. Natural menthol is optically active, the (-)-form. It has anaesthetic as well as antiseptic action.

Chemical Properties Of Menthol.

It gives the reactions of an alicyclic secondary alcohol.

(1) Oxidation. Upon oxidation amongst chromic acid, it gives the corresponding ketone, menthone.

(2) Dehydration. When heated amongst potassium hydrogen sulphate, it gives menthene.

Uses Of Menthol.

Menthol, on trouble organisation human relationship of its anaesthetic as well as antiseptic action, pleasant smell as well as cooling taste, is used : (1) In pharmaceuticals equally local anaesthetic as well as for relief of headache ; (2) In oral fissure washed, nasal sprays as well as inhalers (vick's Inhaler), coughing drops, chewing-gums, as well as mentholated cigarettes ; (3) In cosmetics - toothpastes, shaving creams, shaving lotions, appear upwards creams as well as powders.

Menthol Formula.  C₁₀H₂₀O
Menthol Boiling Point. 212 °C
Molar Mass of Menthol. 156.27 g/mol
Menthol Melting Point. 31 °C
Density. kg/m³