Menthone

Menthone is basically a type of menthol having sort of minty flavor and structurally it is very much related to menthol as well, which has an alcohol in place of carbonyl. Menthone is being used in flavoring of different food e.g. candies and other mouth freshening foods due to its minty odor. Menthone is also used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Menthone occurs in natural oils and is ingredient of pennyroyal, peppermint, menthe arvensis, pelargonium geraniums and others. At very first stage it was obtained by the oxidation of menthol in 80’s and it was then discovered in natural oils in 90’s.

TECHNICAL DATA
Chemical Structural Formula of menthone

CAS NO. 14073-97-3

• Molecular formula: C10H18O
• Molecular weight: 154.25 g/mol
• Melting point: -6 °C
• Boiling point: 207 °C
• Density: 895 kg/m3
• Synonyms:
  (-)-Menthone
  l-MENTHONE
  MENTHONE
  (2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanoneSTRUCTURAL COMPOSITION
  Methone is a ketone analog of menthol. It has two chiral centers and four stereoisomers. Menthone was initially used for demonstrating an enantiomeric excess determination technique. It has structural characteristics involving the lowest energy cyclohexane ‘chair’ configuration, while the low energy conformational landscape of isomenthone retains several cyclohexane conformations. The continuum of the blend of menthone isomers is offered in the frequency range of 4700 to 5650 MHz positively.

  BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND NATURAL SOURCE
  Menthone is the main component of peppermint essential oils. Menthone is very palliative/analgesic and that is why it is very advantageous for reducing pain like headaches, inflammation and muscle aches, it is also very beneficial for antiseptic purpose. Its bracing behavior lends the oil its enlivening effects.
  In pharmacological applications it is used to eliminate harmful bacteria, muscle spasm and flatulence. It is also a disinfector for inflamed skin and its soothing effects are fabulous, it is also being used in massage to release muscle tension. When it is diluted in with carrier oil it reduces the pain and fever by rubbing into the feet.

  USES IN PHARMACOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
  · Aromatherapy
  Menthone peppermint essential oil clears the nasal passageway to relive the congestion and breathing becomes easy and encouraged. It is also used for pacify petulance, nerves tension and it stimulate the circulation of blood in the body. Menthone liquid scent is believed to overcome the headaches, it is very beneficial when used as an appetizer for stomach. It also removes the feelings of nausea when small amount of its oil is rubbed behind the ears.
  · Anti-microbial agent
  It has a lot of anti microbial properties so it can be used for sanitizing and deodorizing for environment, leaving behind the effects of refreshing scent, it is not only a sanitizer but very clearly disinfector for surface that can remove the bugs in the house and beneficial as an insect repellent.
  · Cosmetics
  Menthone is cosmetically believed to be a an astringent that closes pores and tightness of the skin. Its refreshing and cherish sensation makes it an effective anesthetic that will make the skin numb for pain and soothe the redness and inflammation. It is when diluted with coconut and applied to skin it will show the effects by refreshed and healthy skin and removes skin irritations e.g. sunburn. It can be also used in shampoos for removal of dandruff and scalp.
  · Digestive properties
  When the human body digestion system is under distress, the menthone has a specialty for balancing the digestive system, it will restore the appetite and soothe the feeling of nausea.
  · Respiratory relief properties
  Menthone’s medical and herbal practices are widely being utilized; its herbal tea is very beneficial and commonly used for reliving the respiratory system of the body by helping the digestion. This provides the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial advantages to the lungs and calm down the chances of infection. Menthone peppermint oil can also be used for improving the respiratory conditions.

  Hence menthone has many therapeutic properties.

  Below are the following highlights of its benefits.
  antibacterial, nervine, analgesic, digestive, stimulant, convivial.