Peppermint oil and antiseptic mouthwash

Question

Upon mixing peppermint oil and antiseptic mouthwash in a test tube I noticed immediately a white precipitate forms. I attempted to look up why this was except I couldn’t find any information anywhere on the internet. I was hoping that someone could tell me what chemical reaction is taking place and what the product is that forms.

Answer 1

Well -- antiseptic mouthwas contains a number of fragrant terpenes associated with concoctions which may be called "peppermint oil," for one; peppermint oil contains a number of compounds--these include menthol, potentially eucalyptol, and related structures. What color was the precipitate? Are you sure it was not an emulsion? Tell me more.