# Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 63187-91-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal (CAS 63187-91-7) is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from menthone and glycerol. It is used in food products to provide cooling and minty flavor characteristics.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal?

Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal is a synthetic organic compound created by the chemical reaction between menthone (a naturally occurring ketone found in mint oils) and glycerol. The resulting ketal is a stable flavoring molecule that belongs to the class of synthetic flavoring agents. Its CAS number 63187-91-7 uniquely identifies this specific chemical structure in scientific literature and regulatory databases.

The compound functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant, meaning it contributes taste and aroma characteristics to food products without serving a preservative or functional role beyond sensory enhancement.

## Common Uses

Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal is primarily used in food and beverage applications where cooling, minty, or menthol-like flavors are desired. Common applications include:

- Confectionery products (candies, gums, lozenges)
- Beverage flavoring (soft drinks, flavored waters)
- Oral care products with food-contact surfaces
- Flavor compounds in specialty food applications

The ketal form provides improved stability compared to menthone alone, making it suitable for processing conditions where temperature or pH variations might otherwise degrade the flavor compound.

## Safety Assessment

Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal has not been formally designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, indicating that it has not undergone the standard GRAS notification process. However, this designation does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway chosen by manufacturers or lack of formal petition submission.

According to FDA adverse event data, there are no reported adverse events associated with this additive. Additionally, no FDA recalls involving this compound have been documented. This absence of reported safety issues suggests the ingredient has not triggered regulatory concerns in current use.

The compound is derived from generally recognized safe components (menthone and glycerol), which provides some basis for assuming reasonable safety in typical food applications. Menthol and menthone-derived compounds have a long history of safe use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal varies by jurisdiction:

**United States:** The additive is not listed on the FDA's official GRAS list and would require either GRAS notification status or food additive petition approval for legal use in food. Manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with current FDA regulations.

**European Union:** Status and approval requirements under EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) regulations should be verified, as EU maintains separate flavoring regulations under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.

**Other Regions:** Approval status may differ in Canada, Australia, and other regions with independent food additive approval processes.

Manufacturers should consult current regulatory databases and legal counsel regarding permissible uses in their target markets.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal is limited, which is typical for specialized synthetic flavoring compounds used at very low concentrations (typically less than 10 ppm in finished products). The absence of published toxicology studies does not indicate toxicity; rather, it reflects the regulatory approach that many flavoring compounds undergo safety assessment through industry-sponsored research rather than independent academic studies.

Toxicological assessments of related compounds (menthone and glycerol ketals) support the general safety profile of this chemical class when used at intended levels. The low usage rates in food applications further support safe use, as exposure levels remain minimal.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Menthone 1,2-glycerol Ketal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/menthone-1-2-glycerol-ketal. Accessed 2026-05-19.