Menthol Molecule in 3D: C₁₀H₂₀O Structure and Facts
Menthol is the molecule that gives mint its cool, fresh feeling. It switches on the nerve sensors that detect cold. In Molecule Studio you can spin the menthol molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DMenthol quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₁₀H₂₀O |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 156.27 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 31 |
| Shape | Six-membered ring |
| Group | Food |
What is menthol used for?
- Mints, toothpaste and chewing gum
- Cough sweets and chest rubs
- Cooling creams
Interesting facts about menthol
- It activates the cold-sensing receptors on nerves.
- Peppermint oil is rich in menthol.
- It forms white, waxy crystals.
- It feels cool even though it does not lower the temperature.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
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Menthol questions
What is the formula of menthol?
C10H20O.
Why does menthol feel cold?
It switches on the nerve receptors that sense cold.
Where does menthol come from?
Mostly from peppermint and other mint plants.
What is menthol used for?
Mints, toothpaste, cough sweets and cooling creams.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.