Menthol is widely used in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and
toiletry products as a flavoring agent or odor enhancer. In addition
to its characteristic peppermint flavor, l-menthol, which occurs
naturally, also exerts a cooling or refreshing sensation that is
exploited in many topical preparations. Unlike mannitol, which
exerts a similar effect due to a negative heat of solution, l-menthol
interacts directly with the body’s coldness receptors. d-Menthol has
no cooling effect, while racemic menthol exerts an effect approximately
half that of l-menthol.
When used to flavor tablets, me