Dihydro Beta Ionone: A Versatile Floral-Woody Note in Modern Perfumery

Galbora
Oct 31
3 min read

Introduction to Dihydro Beta Ionone

Dihydro Beta Ionone is a synthetic yet nature-identical compound widely used in the fragrance industry for its floral, violet, and woody-green scent. Known for imparting volume and natural richness to perfume compositions, it bridges the gap between floral and woody accords, creating depth and sophistication. Its versatility and stability across a wide range of applications make it a valuable ingredient in both fine fragrances and functional products.

Key Olfactory Characteristics

Dihydro Beta Ionone possesses a distinctive olfactory profile that enhances various fragrance families:

🌸 Floral-Violet Note: Offers a delicate, powdery violet nuance reminiscent of natural ionones, contributing to elegant floral bouquets.
🌿 Green & Woody Tone: Provides a subtle green freshness with warm woody undertones, ideal for balancing richer compositions.
🌼 Volume & Softness: Adds fullness and smooth transitions between top, heart, and base notes, enhancing the overall harmony of a fragrance.
💨 Moderate Diffusion: Fairly diffusive in the air, ensuring pleasant perception without overpowering other ingredients.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Details

Property	Value / Description
Chemical Name	4-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)butan-2-one (and isomers)
Synonym	2-Butanone, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-
Molecular Formula	C₁₃H₂₂O
Molecular Weight	194.30 g/mol
CAS Number	17283-81-7
FEMA / GRAS Number	3626
GC Purity	≥ 85% as Dihydro Beta Ionone
Flash Point	127°C
Vapor Pressure	2.15 Pa at 25°C
CLogP	4.35
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid

This chemical structure contributes to the compound’s balance between volatility and tenacity, offering both immediate floral freshness and moderate persistence.

Occurrence in Nature

Although primarily produced synthetically, Dihydro Beta Ionone occurs naturally in several plants, including:

Boronia
Champac (Michelia champaca)

These natural origins give it a realistic, nature-identical character prized by perfumers seeking authenticity in floral compositions.

Applications in the Fragrance Industry

Dihydro Beta Ionone is a multipurpose material suitable for both fine and functional fragrances:

Perfume Industry

Used to build violet, iris, and floral-woody accords, it provides a soft, natural texture and adds volume to compositions. Often blended with ionones, methyl ionones, and ambery notes for enhanced depth.

Personal Care Products

Enhances body lotions, shampoos, and deodorants with a gentle floral-woody scent that lingers pleasantly without being overpowering.

Home & Fabric Care

Applied in fabric softeners, detergents, and air fresheners, Dihydro Beta Ionone contributes to a clean, fresh, and refined scent profile.

Stability and Environmental Performance

Application	pH / Type	Stability
Fine Fragrance	Neutral	Good
Fabric Softener	pH 3	Good
Antiperspirants	pH 3.5	Good
Toiletries	pH 6	Good
Liquid Detergent	pH 9	Good
Soap	pH 10	Good
Powder Detergent	pH 11	Fair
Bleach	pH 14	Fair

Dihydro Beta Ionone demonstrates excellent versatility across various formulations, retaining its scent integrity under most conditions.

Substantivity and Longevity

Surface / Medium	Performance
Skin	Good
Hair	Good
Wet Fabric	Good
Dry Fabric	Fair

Its moderate substantivity ensures that the fragrance remains perceptible yet refined, particularly on skin and hair.

Diffusion and Tenacity

Diffusivity: Fairly diffusive — gently fills space without dominating.
Tenacity on Blotter: Detectable for over 2 days, indicating moderate longevity ideal for heart notes.

Typical Use Level

Due to its versatility and balanced intensity, Dihydro Beta Ionone is typically used at < 5% of the total fragrance formula, depending on the desired floral-woody character.

Conclusion

Dihydro Beta Ionone is a classic and versatile perfumery ingredient that enriches compositions with floral-violet elegance, woody depth, and natural warmth. Its stability, pleasant diffusivity, and natural identity make it an indispensable component in modern fragrance design. Whether used in fine perfumes, personal care products, or household fragrances, it adds harmony, realism, and a soft floral glow that enhances the overall sensory experience.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.