Mint leaves where menthol is naturally occurring
Menthol, or cyclohexanol-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl), is an organic compound, technically classified as an alcohol due to the oxygen and hydrogen (OH) grouping. Menthol occurs naturally in peppermint or other mint oils, or it can be synthesized in a laboratory. Menthol's commonly used to relieve skin irritation, sore throats, nasal congestion and muscle aches.
Chemical Formula
Menthol has the chemical formula C10H20O. This is read as "C sub 10, H sub 20, O," or colloquially as "C-10, H-20, O," and means that each menthol compound is comprised of 10 carbon atoms, 20 hydrogen atoms, and a single oxygen atom.
Molecular Mass
Molecular mass is the measurement of how much something weighs per unit. Menthol has a molecular mass of 156.27 grams per mol. This number is calculated by summing up all of the individual weights of each atom that makes up menthol.
Density
Density is a measurement of how much of something there is per unit. The lower the number, the more that can fit in one area. Menthol has a density of 0.89 grams per cubic centimeter. For reference, water has a density of 1000 kilograms per cubic meter. Since menthol has a lower density, this means that an equally sized container can hold more menthol than water, and that menthol will float in relation to water.
Melting Point
The melting point of a substance refers to the temperature at which that substance will change from a solid state to a liquid state. Menthol has a melting point of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius, or 95 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit--a wide range covering eight different types of menthol.
Boiling Point
The boiling point refers to the temperature at which a substance will change from a liquid state to a gas state. Menthol has a boiling point of 212 degrees Celsius, or 413.6 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of which type of menthol is present.
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