Pulegone: Difference between revisions

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'''Pulegone''' is a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety of plants such as [[Mentha]] (mint), [[Nepeta cataria]] (catnip), and [[Pennyroyal]]. It is classified as a [[monoterpene]] and has a pleasant aromatic odor.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pulegone}}


==Chemical Structure and Properties==
== Pulegone ==
Pulegone is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a strong minty aroma. Its chemical formula is C10H16O. The compound is a member of the class of compounds known as [[menthane monoterpenoids]]. These are monoterpenoids with a structure based on the [[hydrocarbon]] menthane backbone.
[[File:Pulegone_Structural_Formulae.png|thumb|right|Structural formula of Pulegone]]
'''Pulegone''' is a naturally occurring organic compound classified as a [[monoterpene]]. It is a colorless oily liquid with a pleasant peppermint aroma. Pulegone is found in various essential oils, most notably in [[pennyroyal oil]], and is used in flavoring, fragrance, and aromatherapy.


==Sources==
== Chemical Structure ==
Pulegone is found in several plants including the [[Mentha]] (mint) genus, [[Nepeta cataria]] (catnip), and [[Pennyroyal]]. It is usually extracted from these plants through a process known as [[steam distillation]].
Pulegone is a [[ketone]] and a member of the [[terpenes]] class of compounds. Its chemical formula is C<sub>10</sub>H<sub>16</sub>O. The structure of pulegone consists of a cyclohexanone ring with a methyl group and an isopropenyl group attached, making it a monoterpene ketone.


==Uses==
== Occurrence ==
Pulegone is used in flavorings, perfume, and aromatherapy. It is also used as a [[pesticide]] due to its strong aroma that is found to be repulsive to insects.
Pulegone is primarily found in the essential oils of [[plants]] such as [[Mentha pulegium]] (pennyroyal), [[Mentha piperita]] (peppermint), and [[Mentha spicata]] (spearmint). It is one of the major constituents of pennyroyal oil, which has been used traditionally for its aromatic properties.


==Health Effects==
== Uses ==
While pulegone has been used in traditional medicine, it is potentially toxic and can cause severe liver and lung damage if ingested in large amounts. It is also a potent [[abortifacient]], which means it can induce abortion.
Pulegone is used in the [[food]] and [[cosmetic]] industries for its minty aroma. It is a component of flavorings and fragrances, contributing to the characteristic scent of mint. Pulegone is also used in [[aromatherapy]] for its purported therapeutic properties.


==Regulation==
== Toxicity ==
Due to its potential toxicity, the use of pulegone in food and beverages is regulated in many countries. In the United States, the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) has banned the use of pulegone as a food additive.
While pulegone is used in various applications, it is important to note that it can be toxic in high doses. Pulegone has been shown to cause liver damage and other toxic effects in [[animal studies]]. Therefore, its use is regulated in food and cosmetic products to ensure safety.


==See Also==
== Related pages ==
* [[Mentha]]
* [[Mentha pulegium]]
* [[Nepeta cataria]]
* [[Essential oil]]
* [[Pennyroyal]]
* [[Monoterpene]]
* [[Monoterpene]]
* [[Food and Drug Administration]]
* [[Ketone]]


[[Category:Monoterpenes]]
[[Category:Monoterpenes]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Ketones]]
[[Category:Organic compounds]]
[[Category:Essential oils]]
[[Category:Essential oils]]
{{Chem-stub}}
{{food-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:14, 15 February 2025


Pulegone[edit]

Structural formula of Pulegone

Pulegone is a naturally occurring organic compound classified as a monoterpene. It is a colorless oily liquid with a pleasant peppermint aroma. Pulegone is found in various essential oils, most notably in pennyroyal oil, and is used in flavoring, fragrance, and aromatherapy.

Chemical Structure[edit]

Pulegone is a ketone and a member of the terpenes class of compounds. Its chemical formula is C10H16O. The structure of pulegone consists of a cyclohexanone ring with a methyl group and an isopropenyl group attached, making it a monoterpene ketone.

Occurrence[edit]

Pulegone is primarily found in the essential oils of plants such as Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and Mentha spicata (spearmint). It is one of the major constituents of pennyroyal oil, which has been used traditionally for its aromatic properties.

Uses[edit]

Pulegone is used in the food and cosmetic industries for its minty aroma. It is a component of flavorings and fragrances, contributing to the characteristic scent of mint. Pulegone is also used in aromatherapy for its purported therapeutic properties.

Toxicity[edit]

While pulegone is used in various applications, it is important to note that it can be toxic in high doses. Pulegone has been shown to cause liver damage and other toxic effects in animal studies. Therefore, its use is regulated in food and cosmetic products to ensure safety.

Related pages[edit]