Menthyl isovalerate


Menthyl isovalerate, also known as validolum, is the menthyl ester of isovaleric 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.

Medical use

In the former Soviet Union states including Russia, menthyl isovalerate is sold as an anxiolytic under various trade names including Validol, Valofin, and Menthoval.