[Ander08]

     Hey, I wanted to just conduct a simple experiment at home using menthol to synthesize a derivative of this molecule. Does anyone have any ideas (using any chemicals that can be commonly found in the household). I would prefer a simple oxidation or reduction reaction, but any suggestions for aromatic substitution or addition would be appreciated as well.

[Ander08]

Update: If i were to perform an oxidation creating menthone, what are some suggestions for a good household oxidizing agent? (not potentially hazardous if possible)

[khemophore]

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and acetic acid (present in vinegar) can be used to effect that oxidation. Although that should be a relatively risk-free reaction, I feel the need to say that I take no responsibility if something goes awry. Virtually all organic chemistry reactions entail some element of danger, and personally I wouldn't conduct any experiments at home, full stop.

[Ander08]

Do you think citric acid would work to replace acetic acid?

[Montegue]

Try it.

[Ander08]

ok, thank you. but would menthone be in liquid state at room temperature?

[Montegue]

Very volatile liquid at room temperature. Highly hazardous.

[Ander08]

Ok Thanks for letting me know, i probably wont try that experiment then. I have worked with thiomenthone before and i know that is very volatile, but i was not aware that menthone was harmful. do you have any other suggestions for experiments? maybe even the synthesis of thiomenthone if that is not too complicated?

[billnotgatez]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthone
Menthone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menthol
Menthol

I post the above links to aid in the discussion

It is interesting that WIKI does not have a page for thiomenthone

[Montegue]

The sky is the limit. Try your Mentone. It's not simple, but that where the fun is. It's volatile, but make it in as small quantity as possible. Liquid propane is explosive, but people use it for cooking and drying cloth.

1/4 teaspoonful of Mentone won't be as hazardous is a fire cracker.

Try it.

[Ander08]

      Well volatile hazardous liquids is exactly what i am trying to avoid unfortunately. And is there a degree of heating or cooling in order to perform the oxidation? And also can the sodium hypochlorite and acid be added in the same step?

[Montegue]

sodium hypochlorite and acid be added in the same step

Sounds terrible. It's hard on you lungs.

I think the chemists aren't helping you because the fume from menthone is very toxic. It's roach killer.

Well, I don't wish to see roach scurrying about while you're lying dead.

[Ander08]

thanks for the heads up man

[Montegue]

Take care.

[Ander08]

Montegue, i looked up an MSDS for mentone, and it is not very volatile at all, has a relatively high boiling point, and is used in perfumery and flavorings. although it is used as a pesticide at times, I would have to intentionally ingest some in order for it to effectively toxify me. I believe you have a misunderstanding of what "dangers" exist here, which are very similar to the dangers of many standard organic reactions. My greatest worry would be the chlorine gas emitted from the sodium hypochlorite, but as in i plan to wear a respirator for this experiment, if done carefully should not be too risky.