A Green and Sustainable Approach: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Asymmetric l‐Menthol Process. Issue 11 (18th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emura, Makoto; Matsuda, Hiroyuki
• Is Part Of: Chemistry & biodiversity. Volume 11:Issue 11(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1688
• Page End: 1699
• Publication Date: 2014-11-18
• Subjects: Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biodiversity -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201400063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1612-1872

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Takasago</italic> has been devoted to producing <italic>l</italic>‐menthol since 1954, and our long history of manufacturing this important aroma chemical is reviewed here. The current asymmetric catalytic process had its 30th anniversary in 2013. Our <italic>l</italic>‐menthol process is considered carbon‐neutral, and, therefore, 'green' and sustainable. It uses renewable myrcene obtained from gum rosin as a starting material. In addition, the Rh‐BINAP (=2, 2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1, 1′‐binaphthyl) catalytic system is highly efficient. This pathway not only leads <italic>l</italic>‐menthol, but a variety of 100% biobased aroma chemical products as well. By measuring the ¹⁴C levels in a material, one can determine the percentage of carbon that is biobased. This biobased assay, described as the ratio plant‐derived C/fossil‐derived C, can clarify how renewable a product really is. This will be highlighted for several of <italic>Takasago</italic>'s key aroma chemicals.</p> </abstract>