Methyl Ionone Alpha: A Violet-Woody Signature in Modern Perfumery

Galbora
Dec 19, 2025
2 min read

🌿 Overview of Methyl Ionone Alpha

Methyl Ionone Alpha is a cornerstone aroma chemical in fine fragrance design, recognized for its violet–orris floral core supported by soft woody nuances. This molecule plays a critical role in constructing elegant floral accords while enhancing depth, smoothness, and diffusion in modern compositions.

🌸 Olfactive Profile

Primary Facets: Violet, Orris
Supporting Notes: Woody, Floral
Overall Character: Powdery, elegant, soft-woody floral

Methyl Ionone Alpha delivers a refined violet effect without excessive sweetness, making it highly versatile across fragrance families.

🧪 Chemical Identity

Chemical Name: 1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)pent-1-en-3-one
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂O
Molecular Weight: 206.33
CAS No.: 127-42-4 (majority product)
Synonym:[R-(E)]-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-one

🌼 Application in Perfumery

Methyl Ionone Alpha is extensively used in:

Violet and iris-based florals
Woody-floral and leathery accords
Fruity, berry, and nut-inspired compositions

It acts as a blender molecule, seamlessly connecting floral hearts with woody or leathery bases while enhancing roundness and longevity.

🌱 Occurrence in Nature

❌ Not found in natureMethyl Ionone Alpha is a fully synthetic aroma compound, developed to replicate and enhance violet-orris tonalities with superior stability and consistency.

⚙️ Stability Profile

This material demonstrates excellent stability across a wide range of applications:

Application	Stability
Fine Fragrance	Good
Fabric Softener (pH 3)	Good
Antiperspirant (pH 3.5)	Good
Toiletries (pH 6)	Good
Liquid Detergent (pH 9)	Good
Soap (pH 10)	Good
Powder Detergent (pH 11)	Good
Bleach (pH 14)	❌ Poor

👕 Substantivity

Skin: Good
Dry Fabric: Good
Wet Fabric: Good
Hair: Good

Its strong substantivity makes it suitable not only for fine fragrance but also for functional perfumery.

⏳ Tenacity on Blotter

Hours: 0
Days: 0
Weeks: > 1

Despite a subtle initial presence, Methyl Ionone Alpha exhibits exceptional long-term persistence, anchoring floral accords over time.

🌬 Bloom & Diffusion

Diffusion: Fairly diffusive

It provides a controlled, elegant diffusion rather than aggressive projection—ideal for refined compositions.

🎯 Typical Use Level

< 10% in fragrance concentrates

Small dosages are sufficient to impart character and structure.

🔬 Technical Data

Flash Point: 118 °C
GC Purity: ≥ 85% (as isomers)
FEMA / GRAS No.: 2711
CLogP: 4.78
Vapor Pressure: 0.87 Pa at 25 °C
Appearance: Pale yellow liquid

🧠 Conclusion

Methyl Ionone Alpha is a fundamental building block in perfumery, offering a timeless violet-orris signature with outstanding stability and substantivity. Its ability to bridge floral elegance with woody depth makes it indispensable in both fine fragrance and functional applications.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.