Menthanyl acetate

Other comments :

In terms of smell, Menthanyl acetate is to be compared with Linalyl acetate and Terpinyl acetate, from which it derivates. It brings an additional lavender facet.

Stability :

acetates may form acetic acid through time

Uses in perfumery :

Menthanyl acetate is used in citrus accords in alliance with bergamot and lemon and in fougere accords in alliance with lavender. Brings a fresh note to woody accords. Used in air fresheners and detergents for its stability.

Year of discovery :

Data not available.

Isomerism :

Menthanyl acetate synthesis induces the occurence of a mixture of two positional isomers : one has its ester group attached to the cycle, and the other has it on an alpha position. Menthanyl acetate is a constitutional isomer of Citronellyl acetate, Verdox® and Vertenex®. However, Citronellyl acetate is reminiscent of pear and rose, and Verdox® and Vertenex® smell more like apple, pear, and are much woodier.

Synthesis precursor :

Menthanyl acetate is not a precursor to the synthesis of another compound of olfactory interest.

Natural availability :

Menthanyl acetate is naturally present in Peppermint EO, in very small quantities, not allowing to obtain it in its natural state.

Synthesis route :

Menthanyl acetate is prepared by a hydrogenation reaction of isomeric Terpinyl acetate, in the presence of a Raney nickel catalysis for example. It can also be synthesized by an esterification reaction of a mixture of isomeric para-menthanols, using a strong acid catalyst as sulfuric acid. This synthesis is giving birth to two positional isomers.