Menthyl isovalerate, also known as validolum, is the menthyl esterofisovaleric acid. It is a transparent oily, colorless liquid with a smell of menthol. It is very slightly soluble in ethanol, while practically insoluble in water. It is used as a food additive for flavor and fragrance.[1]
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| Names | |
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| IUPAC name
(1R,3R,4S)-p-Menthan-3-yl 3-methylbutanoate | |
| Systematic IUPAC name
(1R,2S,5R)-5-Methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexyl 3-methylbutanoate | |
| Other names
Validolum; Valofin; Validol; Menthoval | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.036.766 
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PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C15H28O2 | |
| Molar mass | 240.387 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Validol, the anxiety medication containing a roughly 25% solution of menthol in menthyl isovalerate is prepared essentially in one step, in which the amount of menthol added before conducting the acid catalysed esterification is in an excess such that the resulting solution of the yielded ester has around 25% menthol, simplifying the procedure. Work up might consist of several washings, including one with aqueous sodium bicarbonate to neutralize traces of acid catalyst and unreacted isovaleric acid, and distillation.[citation needed]
In Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and the former Soviet Union states including Russia, menthyl isovalerate mixed with roughly 25% menthol is sold as an anxiolytic under various trade names including Extravalerianic, Validol, Valofin, and Menthoval.[2][3][4]
