2-Methylisoborneol

2-Methylisoborneol
Identifiers
Abbreviations MIB
CAS number 2371-42-8
PubChem 16913
ChemSpider 16024 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Image 2
Properties
Molecular formula C11H20O
Molar mass 168.28 g/mol
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) is an organic chemical with a strong odor. It is a derivate of borneol. Its odor detection threshold is very low and it is one of the chemicals with major influence on the quality of drinking water. MIB is also a factor in cork taint in winemaking.

Some algae, particularly blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) such as Anabaena, produce MIB together with other odorous chemicals such as geosmin.[1] They give a musty or earthy odor that can be quite strong if an algal bloom is present. Subsequent death of the cyanobacteria will also release MIB that is trapped in the cells. These chemicals can be smelled at very low levels, in the ppt range, and are responsible for many "taste and odor" issues in drinking water treatment and distribution. Cyanobacteria can also produce chemical toxins that have been a problem in drinking water in some cases.

References

  1. ^ Izaguirre and Taylor (2004). "A Guide to Geosmin and MIB-producing Cyanobacteria in the United States". Water Science Technology 49 (9): 19–24.