FlavScents AInsights Entry for Alpha-Ionone (CAS: 127-41-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Alpha-Ionone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one
• CAS Number: 127-41-3
• FEMA Number: 2593
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C13H20O
• Molecular Weight: 192.30 g/mol

Alpha-ionone is a monocyclic terpenoid ketone characterized by its ionone backbone, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of the conjugated double bond system and the ketone group contributes significantly to its violet-like aroma, making it a valuable compound in both flavor and fragrance industries.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Alpha-ionone is renowned for its floral, woody, and violet-like odor, which is both intense and diffusive. It is often described as having a sweet, powdery, and slightly fruity character. The compound is used as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct violet scent that can enhance the floral aspects of a fragrance or flavor profile. The odor threshold of alpha-ionone is relatively low, allowing it to impart its characteristic scent even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Alpha-ionone naturally occurs in a variety of plant sources, including violets, raspberries, and certain types of tea. It is formed through the oxidative degradation of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which undergo enzymatic cleavage to produce ionones. This compound is often used to confer a "natural" designation in flavors and fragrances due to its presence in nature and its derivation from natural precursors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Alpha-ionone is utilized in flavor formulations to impart floral and fruity notes, particularly in berry, citrus, and floral flavor profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the complexity and authenticity of the flavor. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, alpha-ionone is a key component in floral and woody fragrance families. It is used as a trace realism note or as a modifier to enhance the floral aspects of a composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are between 0.1% and 1%, depending on the desired effect. Alpha-ionone contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility and a lasting floral impression.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized regulations aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, alpha-ionone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low-risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Alpha-ionone is valued for its ability to impart a natural violet note, enhancing both floral and fruity compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds, such as beta-ionone and methyl ionone. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its intense aroma can dominate a blend. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on alpha-ionone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-06-12 13:05:18 GMT (p2)