The basic organic chemical structure of the carvones is similar to that of the menthols and menthones. Thus, it is not surprising to discover a distinct organoleptic impression for each optical antipode. However, the organoleptic impressions are not similar to menthol or menthone, nor do the carvones display the cooling effect of menthol.
L-carvone—a warm-herbal-spicy-pungent impression. A slightly sweeter tone than d-carvone. L-carvone brings the flavor spearmint to mind.
D-carvone—a warm-herbal-spicy-pungent impression, more dry and hay-like than l-carvone. Both odor and taste recall dill or caraway oil or seed. Almost all the commercially available I-carvones and d-carvones are synthetic products, produced from Iimonene via identical chemical reactions. Thus, the secondary off-notes, which may appear in the product from all sources, may be slightly metallic-amine like, sometimes even reminiscent of dilute aniline.
