Cooling Agent WS-5 (CAS 68489-14-5), chemically N-(ethoxymethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, is the high-impact workhorse of the WS cooling-agent family. When formulators need cooling that is clearly stronger and longer than menthol but still clean and controllable, WS-5 is usually the answer. It carries only a faint, fresh mint nuance and delivers an intense, long-lasting cooling sensation that makes it a favorite for hard candy, chewing gum, e-liquids and personal-care products where a powerful “icy” effect is the whole point.
What Is Cooling Agent WS-5 (CAS 68489-14-5)?
WS-5 belongs to the p-menthane carboxamide family of synthetic cooling agents first developed by Wilkinson and commonly grouped under the trade name Koolada. Its structure — an N-ethoxymethyl substituent on p-menthane-3-carboxamide — gives it one of the highest cooling intensities of any commercial cooling agent, while keeping volatility and odor far lower than menthol. The result is a white crystalline powder that delivers strong, durable cooling with only a light fresh-mint character, rather than the menthol smell or bitterness that limits menthol in many formulations.
Because WS-5 is so potent, it is frequently used at low levels on its own, or blended with odorless grades such as WS-23 to push intensity while preserving flavor neutrality. That flexibility is why WS-5 sits alongside the WS-5 product page as one of the core cooling agents ZHII manufactures and exports.
Key Properties of Cooling Agent WS-5
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cooling Agent WS-5 |
| CAS No. | 68489-14-5 |
| Chemical Name | N-(Ethoxymethyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide |
| Synonyms | Koolada WS-5; WS5 cooling agent |
| Molecular Formula | C17H31NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 281.43 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Faint, fresh mint character |
| Purity | ≥99% (typical, GC; COA available on request) |
| Melting Point | Approx. 80 °C (verify against COA) |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol; soluble in oils; low water solubility |
Cooling Profile & Sensory Characteristics
WS-5 is engineered for intensity. Its cooling effect is markedly stronger than menthol, WS-3 and WS-23, with a smooth onset and an extended duration that lingers pleasantly on the palate and skin. Unlike menthol, it produces no sharpness, burning or nasal irritation at normal use levels, and it carries only a very light fresh note rather than a dominant mint aroma. This makes WS-5 ideal where the brief is “maximum cooling” — extreme-mint confectionery, intense e-liquid profiles, after-sun and muscle-care cosmetics — without the bitterness or volatility that restrict menthol.
In sensory terms, WS-5 is best described as high-impact, long and clean. Many formulators combine a small amount of WS-5 with a larger base of odorless WS-23 to obtain a cooling curve that is both intense and neutral: WS-23 provides the clean body, WS-5 adds the powerful top and tail.
Applications of Cooling Agent WS-5
WS-5 is chosen wherever an unmistakably strong cooling effect is the goal:
Food & Beverage
Hard boiled candy, chewing gum, mints, compressed tablets and high-impact beverages use WS-5 to deliver a powerful, long cool burst. Its faint mint note complements mint and fruit-mint profiles, while its strength means very low addition rates.
E-Liquids & Vaping
For vapers who want an intensely “ice cold” throat and mouth feel, WS-5 is the boost ingredient. It is commonly blended with WS-23 to raise cooling intensity without adding menthol flavor or bitterness, and it remains stable across PG/VG ratios.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
After-sun lotions, body wash, foot sprays, lip balm, shave cream and muscle-soothing gels rely on WS-5 for a strong, durable skin-cooling sensation that lasts well beyond application.
Oral Care & Pharma
Toothpaste, mouthwash, throat lozenges and topical analgesic gels use WS-5 for a high-impact cool that supports the fresh, clean sensory expectation of oral and soothing products.
Recommended Use & Dosage
Because WS-5 is highly potent, typical use levels are low — commonly from a few ppm up to about 50 ppm in finished products, depending on the application and the target cooling intensity. In e-liquid and confectionery, WS-5 is very often used in combination with WS-23 or WS-3; the exact ratio should be validated in your own formulation. Contact our technical team for application-specific dosage guidance and starter formulations.
Packaging & Storage
Cooling Agent WS-5 is supplied in 1 kg aluminum foil bags and 25 kg fiber drums; custom packaging and private labeling are available on request. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tightly sealed to protect the crystalline powder from moisture. When stored correctly, WS-5 remains stable for at least 24 months from the production date.
Why Source Cooling Agent WS-5 from ZHII?
- Factory-direct supply — we manufacture and export WS-5 directly from Xi’an, China, with competitive pricing and stable long-term inventory.
- Certified quality — ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified production; KOSHER and HALAL certified products; a Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch.
- Global experience — customers in more than 50 countries across the EU, the Americas and Asia trust ZHII as their cooling agent supplier.
- Flexible quantities — from free evaluation samples and small trial packs to full container loads.
- Technical support — our team provides formulation guidance, blend recommendations and regulatory documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does WS-5 compare to WS-23 and WS-3?
WS-5 is a high-impact cooling agent — noticeably stronger than both WS-3 and WS-23. WS-23 is completely odorless and tasteless; WS-3 carries a slight fresh-mint note; WS-5 carries a faint mint nuance and the most powerful, longest-lasting cooling of the three. Many formulators blend a small amount of WS-5 with a base of odorless WS-23 to get a cooling profile that is both intense and neutral.
What is the melting point of WS-5?
WS-5 melts at approximately 80 °C — higher than WS-23 (about 37 °C). This higher melting point makes WS-5 a solid crystalline powder that is easy to handle and store. Please verify the exact value against the COA for your specific batch.
Is WS-5 suitable for e-liquids and vaping?
Yes. WS-5 is widely used to create intense “ice” e-liquid profiles. It is stable across PG/VG systems and is most often blended with WS-23 so that formulators can dial in the desired intensity without adding menthol flavor or bitterness.
What is the MOQ, packaging and lead time?
MOQ starts from 1 kg. Standard packing is 1 kg aluminum foil bag or 25 kg fiber drum with double PE liner. Regular orders ship within 3–7 working days after payment, with full export documentation for the EU, Americas, Middle East and Asia.
Get a Free Sample of Cooling Agent WS-5
Looking for a reliable Cooling Agent WS-5 manufacturer and supplier? ZHII offers high-purity Cooling Agent WS-5 (CAS 68489-14-5) with fast worldwide delivery and free samples. Visit our cooling agent powder page to explore the full WS series, or contact us today by email at sxzhiyi@126.com or WhatsApp +86 151 0299 2009 for a quotation within 24 hours.
