Pulegone is a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety of plants such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita, and pennyroyal. It is classified as a monoterpenoid, which means that it is an oxidized derivative of a terpene, a large class of naturally occuring C10 hydrocarbons. Pulegone is a colorless oil with a pleasant odor similar to pennyroyal, peppermint, and camphor. It is used in flavoring agents, in perfumery, and in aromatherapy.

Isolation and some uses

Pulegone comprises 75% of the oil pressed from pennyroyal, which is cultivated for that purpose. Hydrogenation of pulegone gives menthone. Pulegone is also a precursor to menthofuran, another flavorant.

Toxicology

It was reported that the chemical is toxic to rats if a large quantity is consumed. Pulegone is also an insecticide − the most powerful of three insecticides naturally occurring in many mint species. As of October 2018, the FDA withdrew authorization for the use of pulegone as a synthetic flavoring substance for use in food, but that naturally-occurring pulegone can continue to be used.

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