menthone

Menthone is a naturally occurring monoterpene and a cyclic oxygenated terpene found in the essential oils of various plants such as peppermint, Japanese mint, pennyroyal, and geranium. It is primarily used as a flavoring agent and fragrance in the food, cosmetic, perfume, and drug industries due to its characteristic aromatic and minty aroma. Structurally related to menthol (which has an alcohol group instead of a carbonyl), menthone exists as several stereoisomers; the most abundant natural form is (2S,5R)-trans-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone. In addition to its use in consumer products for sensory properties, it has been studied experimentally for potential medicinal uses such as treating stone formation in the gallbladder and liver. Menthone also exhibits antifungal activity against certain Candida species and acts as a naturally occurring pesticide[1][2][5][6].

Other names

menthone(-)-menthonep-menthan-3-onep-menthan3-onep-menthan 3-one