描述
Menthyl valerate, also known as menthyl valeric acid, is a member of the class of compounds known as menthane monoterpenoids. Menthane monoterpenoids are monoterpenoids with a structure based on the o-, m-, or p-menthane backbone. P-menthane consists of the cyclohexane ring with a methyl group and a (2-methyl)-propyl group at the 1 and 4 ring position, respectively. The o- and m- menthanes are much rarer, and presumably arise by alkyl migration of p-menthanes. Menthyl valerate is practically insoluble (in water) and an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Menthyl valerate is a mild, sweet, and fruity tasting compound found in orange mint and peppermint, which makes menthyl valerate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.