Synthetic Menthol

Menthol is a crystalline organic compound which can be obtained naturally from corn mint, mint oil, menthe oil, and peppermint or produced synthetically with hydrogenation processes. It is available in different shapes and sizes, such as large crystals, medium crystals, small crystals, and flakes as powder.

Menthol has high medical and nutritional value. It is used in many consumer and medicinal products for its cooling and analgesic properties. It is used as raw material in manufacturing of 

1. Cosmetics
2. Lip balms
3. Creams
4. Toothpaste
5. Mouth fresheners
6. Cough drops
7. Shampoos
8. Some confectionary products such as chewing gums and candies.   

It is also utilized in pharmaceuticals in ointments, and inhalation products among others.

Conventionally, natural menthol is obtained by harvesting and processing mints. However, variations in climatic conditions tend to affect the overall menthol supply and also result in volatility in prices. As with many widely-used natural products, the demand for menthol greatly exceeds the supply from natural sources. Demand for menthol from key end use industries such as pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and cosmetics industries has witnessed a steady growth over the past decade. In order to meet this growing demand, efforts were channelized towards adoption of alternative synthetic source for commercial production of menthol. Consequently, evolution in synthetic menthol manufacturing process emerged as a significant source of menthol and viable alternative for natural make menthol. Continuous development in manufacturing process reduces the cost of manufacturing synthetic menthol. Moreover, supply of raw materials required for synthetic menthol production is ample; thus ensuring consistency in production and making it relatively cost effective as compared to naturally obtained menthol.

Currently, natural menthol dominates the overall consumption of menthol across the globe. However, consumption of synthetic menthol is expected to witness a relatively faster growth over the forecast period. On a global front, mint consuming segments are shifting towards synthetic Mentha oil, wide price fluctuations in natural menthol have encouraged bulk consumer to reduce their use and turn to Synthetic one as it is cheaper to natural menthe.

Synthetic or Racemic Menthol can be prepared synthetically by hydrogenation of thymol, menthone or pulegone. This reaction is performed under presence of various catalysts such as palladium, platinum, ruthenium, and rhodium etc.  The racemic menthol obtained from hydrogenation is a mixture of L-menthol and D-menthol isomers. The reaction is conducted at high pressure and elevated temperature.

Hydrogenation reaction is typically carried out in a high pressure Hydrogenation reactor or Hydrogenator which is important equipment in the synthetic menthol production process. Nano-Mag Technologies specializes in the design and engineering of catalytic hydrogenation reactors. Nano-Mag make reactors are capable of performing reactions at high temperatures and pressures. These Hydrogenators are equipped with a special agitator for generating high mass transfer area resulting in faster reactions. These specially designed reactors optimise the hydrogenation process to maximize the yield.

We will provide you the complete solution for setting up Hydrogenators for Menthol Plant in cost effective manner. Nano-Mag is the only company to have privilege in setting up the reactors from Lab scale to commercial scale. We can supply Lab Scale, Bench Scale, Pilot Scale, and Production or Commercial Scale reactors for carrying out hydrogenation process.