FlavScents AInsights Entry for Alpha-Ionone (CAS: 127-41-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Alpha-ionone is a key compound in the flavor and fragrance industry, known for its violet-like aroma. The IUPAC name for alpha-ionone is (3E)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-one. It is registered under the CAS number 127-41-3. The FEMA number for alpha-ionone is 2593. Other identifiers include the FL number 07.008 and CoE number 146. The molecular formula of alpha-ionone is C13H20O, with a molecular weight of 192.3 g/mol. Structurally, alpha-ionone contains a cyclohexene ring with a ketone functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its characteristic floral and woody notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Alpha-ionone is renowned for its floral, woody, and slightly fruity aroma, reminiscent of violets. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with a high diffusion rate, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The odor threshold of alpha-ionone is relatively low, allowing it to impart significant character even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as a modifier, enhancing the complexity and depth of floral and fruity profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Alpha-ionone naturally occurs in various plant species, including violets, raspberries, and certain types of tea. It is formed through the oxidative degradation of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, in plants. This compound is significant for "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, as it can be derived from natural sources through extraction and purification processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Alpha-ionone is utilized across a broad spectrum of flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and woody profiles. It plays a functional role as an impact note and modifier, enhancing the authenticity and richness of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often around 1 ppm. Alpha-ionone is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may degrade under strong acidic or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, alpha-ionone is a versatile component used in floral, woody, and chypre fragrance families. It functions as a trace realism enhancer and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Alpha-ionone's volatility allows it to impart a lasting floral note, making it a valuable ingredient in both fine fragrances and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, alpha-ionone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 07.008. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, alpha-ionone is permitted in Japan and China, with specific use conditions outlined by local authorities. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations allowing its use in flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Alpha-ionone is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) and MSDI (Maximum Surveyed Daily Intake) that ensure a wide margin of safety. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility and low concentration in air. 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-like aroma, enhancing both flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its strong character can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in woody and chypre fragrances, where it can add a unique floral twist.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on alpha-ionone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.
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
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 2026-09-08 09:24:08 GMT (p2)
