This section focuses on an overview of isopulegol as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to isopulegol manufacturers, supply chain issues, isopulegol suppliers, and isopulegol prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality isopulegol in bulk for industry applications at wholesale prices based on FEMA 2962 and CAS 89-79-2, 50373-36-9 (DL).
Table of Contents
What is Isopulegol?
Isopulegol represents a significant monoterpene alcohol that serves as a crucial intermediate compound in both natural biosynthetic pathways and industrial chemical processes. This cyclic terpene alcohol exhibits remarkable versatility, functioning as a key precursor in the production of menthol and other commercially valuable compounds. Isopulegol features a cyclohexane ring structure with both a hydroxyl group and an isopropenyl substituent. The compound exists as multiple stereoisomers, with the specific configuration determining its biological activity and commercial utility. The hydroxyl group positioned on the cyclohexane ring contributes to isopulegol’s solubility characteristics and reactivity profile. The compound exhibits a characteristic minty odor, though less pronounced than its derivative menthol. Isopulegol demonstrates moderate solubility in water while showing excellent miscibility with organic solvents, making it suitable for various industrial applications. Its boiling point occurs at approximately 216°C, and the compound maintains stability under normal storage conditions. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), isopulegol is approved to be used in the food, flavour, fragrance, and cosmetic industries.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
Isopulegol is recognized by the FDA as a substance added to food. The compound appears in the FDA’s database of food substances, indicating its accepted use in food applications under appropriate conditions. Other regulatory bodies, including the EUR-Lex, ECHA CHEM, EFSA, WHO, and JECFA, have evaluated isopulegol and established acceptable use levels. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) has assessed the safety of isopulegol, and the fragrance industry follows IFRA guidelines established to ensure safe use in flavour, personal care, and household products.
Natural Occurrence
Isopulegol occurs naturally in several plant species, particularly within the Lamiaceae family. The compound appears in essential oils extracted from various mint species, including peppermint and spearmint, though typically in lower concentrations compared to other terpenes. Geranium oil also contains notable quantities of isopulegol, contributing to its distinctive fragrance profile.
CAS No.: 89-79-2, 50373-36-9 (DL)
According to the American Chemical Society, CAS numbers of isopulegol and DL-isopulegol are 89-79-2 and 50373-36-9, respectively.
CAS Name: (-)-Isopulegol, (±)-Isopulegol
Molecular Formula: C10H18O
Molecular Mass: 154.25
Appearance: Colourless to light yellow liquid
JECFA number: 755
Boiling Point: 212.00 to 218.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol. Slightly soluble in water (308.6 mg/L @ 25 °C)
Other Names:
♦ (1R,2S,5R)-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexanol
♦ Isopulegol
♦ (-)-Isopulegol
♦ l-Isopulegol
♦ iso-Pulegol
♦ (-)-L-Isopulegol
♦ L-Isopulegol
♦ Isopugenol I
♦ (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-Isopulegol
Isopulegol Odor
Odor Strength: Medium, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less
Substantivity: 28 hour(s) at 100.00 %
At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. minty cooling medicinal woody
FEMA Number 2962
According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the number of isopulegol is FEMA 2962. The fragrance industry follows standards set by organizations such as IFRA.
Bulk Isopulegol Manufacturers
The bulk isopulegol production ecosystem is characterized by technological sophistication and significant capital investment barriers. Top isopulegol manufacturers like BASF SE dominate this market of aroma chemicals. They achieve technological leadership through advanced catalytic processes and integrated production systems and establish market positions that are difficult for competitors to replicate.
Sinofi is a bulk isopulegol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of isopulegol. We supply high-quality isopulegol at bulk prices and serve food, flavour, fragrance, personal care, and cosmetic industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Isopulegol
The isopulegol production landscape represents a critical convergence point in terpene chemistry, where traditional synthetic pathways intersect with emerging biotechnological innovations.
Conventional Synthetic Routes
The established citronellal cyclization pathway remains the dominant industrial approach, utilizing Lewis acid catalysts to facilitate the stereoselective formation of isopulegol from citronellal. This process leverages zinc bromide or other metal halide catalysts under controlled temperature conditions, achieving conversion rates exceeding 85% with favourable stereochemical selectivity.
Biotechnological Integration
Enzymatic synthesis pathways are emerging as strategically significant alternatives, employing engineered terpene synthases and cyclases to enable direct biotransformation routes. These biocatalytic processes offer enhanced stereoselectivity and reduced environmental impact, representing a paradigm shift toward sustainable manufacturing frameworks.
As a key intermediate in menthol synthesis and fragrance applications, isopulegol manufacturing demonstrates how process optimization and technological diversification reshape speciality chemical industries.
Bulk Isopulegol Suppliers
The isopulegol supply reflects broader chemical industry evolution toward sustainable, efficient, and technologically sophisticated production networks. Top isopulegol suppliers like BASF SE achieve leadership positions by combining technical innovation, strategic market positioning, and operational excellence to capture value across the expanding menthol application landscape.
Sinofi is a bulk isopulegol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality isopulegol. We sell different grades of isopulegol at wholesale prices to flavour, fragrance, personal care, and cosmetic manufacturers.
Competitive Positioning
Successful isopulegol suppliers demonstrate three critical capabilities:
- Technical Integration: Ability to optimize the entire citronellal-to-menthol value chain.
- Market Responsiveness: Flexible production systems accommodating diverse purity and volume requirements.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting flavour, pharmaceutical, and food-grade quality standards across global markets.
Supply Chain of Isopulegol
The isopulegol supply chain exemplifies the complexity and strategic importance of speciality chemical markets. Success requires a sophisticated understanding of technical requirements, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. As a key intermediate compound, the isopulegol production and distribution network directly influences downstream industries spanning pharmaceuticals, personal care, and flavouring applications.
Supply Chain Structural
Strategic Players and Market Positioning
Key market participants include International Flavors & Fragrances, BASF SE, Firmenich, and other speciality chemical leaders. These suppliers demonstrate vertical integration strategies, controlling both production capabilities and downstream applications.
The competitive structure reveals:
Global Speciality Chemical Leaders
- Comprehensive portfolio strategies integrating isopulegol within broader chemical platforms.
- Research and development capabilities driving application innovation.
- Global distribution networks enabling market access across diverse geographic regions.
Regional Specialists
- Focused production capabilities with specialized technical expertise.
- Cost-competitive manufacturing leveraging regional advantages.
- Partnership strategies with global distributors for market access.
Technology Innovators
- Advanced synthesis technologies improving yield and purity.
- Sustainable production methodologies addressing environmental concerns.
- Application development extending market opportunities.
Key Technical Evolution Factors
- Advanced extraction and purification technologies reducing production costs.
- Synthetic pathway optimization enhancing yield efficiency.
- Green chemistry implementations minimizing environmental impact.
- Process automation driving operational consistency.
The transformation of isopulegol supply chains reflects broader industrial evolution toward specialized, high-value chemical products serving diverse application markets. Strategic positioning requires comprehensive capabilities spanning technology development and supply chain management for sustained competitive advantage.
Wholesale and Buy Isopulegol in Bulk
Bulk purchasing strategies of isopulegol must account for technological disruption in production methodologies and evolving regulatory landscapes. These strategies reflect a sophisticated understanding of global supply networks. Major suppliers concentrate production in regions with established petrochemical infrastructure, while emerging markets develop specialized manufacturing capabilities targeting specific enantiomeric requirements. Success in isopulegol wholesale markets increasingly depends on technological sophistication, supply chain agility, and a deep understanding of end-market application requirements. Wholesale isopulegol markets segment primarily around purity grades and stereochemical specifications. High-purity isopulegol commands premium pricing for menthol synthesis applications, while technical grades serve broader industrial functions, including intermediate chemical synthesis.
As a bulk isopulegol manufacturer and supplier in China, we supply high-quality isopulegol for flavour, fragrance, personal care, and cosmetic industries. We also wholesale isopulegol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy isopulegol in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale isopulegol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Isopulegol Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Isopulegol Prices (FCC, GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 53 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 75 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Isopulegol’s pricing architecture is fundamentally shaped by advancing production methodologies and technical process refinements. As a naturally occurring monoterpenoid derived from eucalyptus, citronella, and essential oils, isopulegol serves as a crucial intermediate in menthol synthesis, positioning it at the intersection of bio-based chemistry and industrial scalability.
Regional Price Differentiation
Pricing patterns reflect regional industrial development disparities and supply chain optimization strategies. Market dynamics demonstrate sensitivity to:
- Feedstock availability and regional sourcing capabilities.
- Regulatory frameworks governing natural extract processing.
- Transportation and logistics infrastructure efficiency.
- Local demand patterns across end-use applications.
Furthermore, the above isopulegol price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of isopulegol may exceed the value of the sample. However, the bulk wholesale isopulegol prices will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Isopulegol Uses
As a monoterpene alcohol with distinctive cooling and aromatic properties, isopulegol has emerged as a cornerstone compound in the global flavour, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries.
Menthol Synthesis and Pharmaceutical Uses
Isopulegol serves as the immediate precursor to menthol through catalytic hydrogenation, representing the most economically significant application pathway. Isopulegol exhibits remarkable versatility as a chiral building block, enabling selective synthesis pathways that traditional petrochemical routes cannot achieve. Its stereochemical properties facilitate high-yield conversion to menthol, positioning it as the preferred precursor in natural menthol production chains. The compound’s molecular architecture allows for multiple functionalization approaches, creating diverse derivative portfolios spanning pharmaceutical intermediates, flavour modulators, and speciality chemical applications.
Fragrance and Flavour Uses
Isopulegol’s characteristic minty, cooling properties with herbaceous peppermint nuances drive applications across the perfumery and flavouring sectors. Industrial applications include enhancement of Rose notes, Geranium formulations, and Oriental fragrance types, with concentrations ranging from 5-30 ppm in finished products.
Bioactive Uses
Research demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastroprotective effects, expanding therapeutic application potential. Documented antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. faecium, E. coli, and antifungal properties against C. albicans position isopulegol as a candidate for next-generation pharmaceutical intermediates.
Isopulegol Benefits
Based on current scientific literature, isopulegol demonstrates significant therapeutic potential across multiple biological systems through distinct molecular mechanisms.
Anti-nociceptive and Analgesic Benefits
Recent research demonstrates that isopulegol exhibits acute and subacute antinociceptive activity in response to different stimuli (mechanical and thermal/cold) in animal models of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Isopulegol demonstrates significant antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory activities in rodent models, including acute peritonitis and pleurisy, as well as chronic cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. Research indicates that isopulegol reduces both acute and chronic inflammation, with particularly significant decreases in chronic inflammation, acting through histamine and prostaglandin pathways.
Neuroprotective and Anticonvulsant Benefits
Isopulegol significantly prolonged the latency for convulsions and mortality in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure models, with complete mortality protection achieved at higher doses. The anticonvulsant effects are attributed to positive modulation of benzodiazepine-sensitive GABA(A) receptors and antioxidant properties.
Gastroprotective Benefits
The gastroprotective mechanism of isopulegol involves restoration of glutathione (GSH) levels to normal and protection against oxidative damage.
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Benefits
In vitro studies demonstrate that isopulegol exhibits effective antiviral activity against H1N1 and H1N2 influenza strains during the early stages of infection. Research shows that isopulegol can modulate antibiotic resistance by inhibiting efflux pump mechanisms in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Antimicrobial evaluation of isopulegol derivatives revealed structure-activity relationships, with certain derivatives showing enhanced activity against bacterial and yeast strains.
Antioxidant Benefits
Isopulegol demonstrates notable antioxidant properties through DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with hydroxyl groups playing crucial roles in the antioxidant mechanism. Two proposed mechanisms include hydrogen atom donation to free radicals and one-electron transfer processes. Antioxidant effects include prevention of lipid peroxidation, preservation of catalase activity, and prevention of glutathione depletion in the brain hippocampus.
Isopulegol Used in Flavour and Fragrance
A Cooling Flavour for E-cigarette Liquid
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
5% menthol; 2% WS‑23; 1% isopulegol; 0.5% lavender oil; 0.5% linalool; 0.3% spearmint oil; 0.3% peppermint oil; 15% propylene glycol; the rest is a 95% alcohol solution.
Preparation Method
Mix menthol, WS‑23, isopulegol, lavender oil, linalool, spearmint oil, and peppermint oil, stir evenly; add propylene glycol, continue stirring until completely dissolved; slowly add 95% alcohol solution and stir evenly, filter it, and get the final product, wherein the mesh size of the filtration sieve is 120 to 400 meshes.
In conclusion, isopulegol’s role extends beyond traditional applications, serving as a platform molecule for next-generation speciality chemicals. As a bulk isopulegol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of isopulegol at wholesale prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.