isopulegol

chemical compound

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June 29, 2026

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Isopulegol is a liquid terpenoid alcohol with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₇OH. It has an odor similar to menthol and is produced as an intermediate in the synthesis of menthol from citronellol.1

Isopulegol is derived from citronellal, which is treated with an acid. This process converts citronellal into the monocyclic monoterpene alcohol isopulegol. Subsequently, catalytic hydrogenation of isopulegol yields a mixture of stereoisomeric menthols. This method is commercially used to supplement natural sources of menthol, which is widely employed as a flavoring agent and in medicinal preparations.2

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isoprenoid
Monoterpenes
… into the monocyclic monoterpene alcohol isopulegol, from which a mixture of stereoisomeric menthols is produced by catalytic hydrogenation. The process is used commercially to supplement the natural sources of menthol (oil of peppermint), widely used as a flavouring and in medicinal preparations. Citral, upon reduction with sodium amalgam, yields geraniol,…
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… into the monocyclic monoterpene alcohol isopulegol, from which a mixture of stereoisomeric menthols is produced by catalytic hydrogenation. The process is used commercially to supplement the natural sources of menthol (oil of peppermint), widely used as a flavouring and in medicinal preparations. Citral, upon reduction with sodium amalgam, yields geraniol,…
Read More