Ionone (FG & Technical Grades): The Subtle Violet–Floral Powerhouse for Flavors & Fragrances

Galbora
Sep 15
4 min read

Executive Summary

Ionone is a classic aroma ingredient delivering a refined violet–floral character with soft woody and fruity undertones. Despite its delicate smell, it exerts high olfactory impact at very low dosages especially for β‑ionone making it a cost‑efficient workhorse across flavors and fragrances. This whitepaper consolidates practical details for selection, formulation, compliance, and quality control, without referencing any specific brand.

What Is Ionone? (Chemistry & Isomers)

Ionones are norisoprenoid aroma compounds often arising from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Two commercially relevant isomers are α‑ionone and β‑ionone. Both share a violet/powdery signature but differ in nuance and diffusion, with β‑ionone typically perceived as more powerful and transparent, while α‑ionone lends a slightly warmer, woodier floral tone.

Key Identifiers & Compliance Snapshot

Parameter	α‑Ionone	β‑Ionone
CAS No.	127-41-3	14901-07-6 (mixture) / 79-77-6 (trans)
FEMA No.	2594	2595
EC / EINECS	204-846-3	201-234-8 (common listing; verify on your COA/REACH)
INCI / Flavor Status	Parfum; Flavouring Substance	Parfum; Flavouring Substance

Note: Numbers shown are industry‑standard references; always verify against your supplier’s COA/REACH registration and current regulatory lists.

Sensory Profile & Impact (Odor Threshold)

Signature: violet, powdery, petal‑like with soft woody‑fruity facets. Odor thresholds reported in literature are extremely low for β‑ionone (trace to parts‑per‑trillion order in air), which explains its impressive lift and bloom. In practice, start at minimal levels and titrate up based on matrix and target character.

Physico‑Chemical Properties (Formulator Notes)

Appearance: colorless to pale yellow liquid. Solubility: insoluble in water; miscible with common perfumery solvents and edible oils/alcohols. Both isomers are relatively hydrophobic and exhibit good substantivity in lipophilic matrices. Avoid prolonged exposure to air, heat and light to minimize oxidation.

Grades, Quality & Documentation

Available grades typically include Technical Grade and FG (Food Grade). Confirm the grade on COA/specification before use in food. Standard documentation available on request should include: COA, SDS, TDS, IFRA Certificate/Conformity Statement (for fragrances), Allergen Statement (EU), Food Grade Statement, GMO/Non‑GMO, Vegan/Kosher/Halal status where applicable.

Applications & Typical Use Levels

Flavors

Beverages, confectionery, bakery, dairy desserts, fruit preparations. Ionone adds natural‑feeling violet/berry nuances and rounds citrus. Typical use levels are very low (ppm‑range), fine‑tuned per category regulation and sensory target. Always validate in the finished matrix.

Fragrances & Consumer Products

Fine fragrances, body care, hair care, air care and home care. Common usage spans from traces up to low single‑digit percentages in accords—higher when used as a key floralizer or to bridge floral hearts with soft woods and musks.

Formulation Strategy & Pairings

• Pairing: excels with rose, jasmine, iris/irones, damascones/damascenones, muguet materials, soft woods, and musks.• Role: bridge note between floral hearts and woody/musk bases; imparts powdery elegance.• For flavors: brightens citrus and berries; can impart a “dewy” petal effect at traces.• Dosing: start low; consider cumulative violet materials to avoid over‑powderiness.• Compatibility: soluble in ethanol, triethyl citrate, TEC, IPM, and most perfumery carriers; check stability in surfactant systems.

Stability, Storage & Packaging

Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry place, protected from light and sources of ignition. Nitrogen blanketing is advisable for long‑term storage. Typical packaging includes lacquered/aluminum bottles and UN‑approved drums. Observe supplier‑stated shelf life and retest periods; rotate stock FIFO.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• Flavor status: widely recognized as a flavouring substance; often FEMA GRAS.• Fragrance status: generally used without specific IFRA restriction for α/β‑ionone (verify the latest IFRA standard and your supplier’s IFRA certificate).• Labeling: not among EU’s 26 declarable fragrance allergens as a substance; confirm finished‑product labeling.• Compliance: verify against applicable regulations (EU 1334/2008 for flavorings, FDA, local standards). Always base risk assessment on the current SDS and regulatory statements from your supplier.

Analytical & QC (GC‑MS, Assay)

Identity is commonly confirmed by GC‑MS with retention indices consistent with reference standards. Assay by GC area % is typical. Monitor isomer ratio, residual solvents, and oxidation markers per your internal specification. For FG grade, ensure compliance with food‑contact and purity criteria defined in your procurement specs.

Purchasing Checklist & FAQs

Checklist:□ Required grade (FG vs Technical) confirmed on COA□ CAS/FEMA numbers match your internal specification□ IFRA & Allergen statements (if used in fragrances)□ SDS/TDS and latest regulatory declarations on file□ Packaging compatibility & shelf life acceptable□ Sample evaluated in final matrix/applicationFAQs:Q: Can Ionone be used in both flavors and fragrances?A: Yes. Choose FG grade for edible applications and validate against local regulations.Q: What if a violet effect becomes too powdery?A: Reduce Ionone level and rebalance with fresher floral/green notes or lift with citrus/aldehydes.Q: Are methyl ionones the same?A: No methyl ionones are related materials with different profiles and regulatory considerations. Treat them separately.

Sample & Quotation

Looking to trial Ionone in your next formula? Contact us for FG/Technical grade availability, samples, COA/SDS/TDS, and regulatory support. Provide your application, target dosage, and documentation needs to accelerate evaluation.

This article was researched and written by Galbora

The use of this article is permitted by citing the source.