Menthol



__ Menthol: __
 * Molecular Formula: C10H20O
 * Appearance: White or Colorless
 * Molar Mass: 156.27 g/mol
 * Boiling Point: 212 degrees Celsius
 * Slightly Soluble in Water

Menthol is made synthetically. The demand for Menthol is very high and is used in a widely range of natural products. The production of Mentol is very complex and goes through many steps. Menthol is an organic compound that is naturally found peppermint or mint oils. It is a waxy, crystalline substance that is white in color. It is a solid a room temperature, but melts slightly above this temperature. Menthol is found un a wide array of product and has some therapeutic qualities. It was first isolated form peppermint oil in 1771 in the West, but in Japan it may have been used longer.

__**Uses:**__
Menthol uses are related to the stimulation of the skin's cold receptors. This causes a cooling effect when applied to the skin or inhaled. Similar to the capsaicin chemical found in hot peppers which stimulates heat receptors, but it is only the sensation of the temperature change. Menthol is used on product meant to relieve skin irritation, sore throat, or nasal congestion. It can used to treat sunburn, fever, or muscle aches. Menthol can be found in Tiger balm, cough drops, and even cigarettes. Menthol is most commonly used in cough drops to provide relief because of it's therapeutic attributes.

Menthol has very low toxicity, but can cause menthol poising if consumed in large quantities.

Menthol also acts as a week Kappa opioid receptor agonist.

Most of menthol's uses are related to its stimulation of the skin's cold receptors. This property makes menthol produce a cooling effect when inhaled or applied to the skin. Similarly to capsacin found in hot peppers that stimulate heat receptors, menthol does not actually change the skin's temperature, but produces the sensation of temperature change.

Reactions
Menthol reacts in many ways like a normal secondary alcohol. It is oxidised to menthone by oxidising agents such as chromic acid or dichromate, though under some conditions the oxidation can go further and break open the ring. Menthol is easily dehydrated to give mainly 3-menthene, by the action of 2% sulfuric acid. Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) gives menthyl chloride.