FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-beta-ionone (CAS: 79-77-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-beta-ionone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one
• CAS Number: 79-77-6
• FEMA Number: 2593
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C13H20O
• Molecular Weight: 192.30 g/mol

(E)-beta-ionone is a monocyclic terpene ketone characterized by its conjugated double bond system, which contributes to its distinctive violet-like odor. The presence of the carbonyl group is crucial for its odor profile, influencing both its volatility and sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-beta-ionone is renowned for its floral, violet-like aroma with woody and fruity nuances. It is a high-impact fragrance material with a moderate diffusion and a sweet, slightly woody flavor profile. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, enhancing floral and fruity profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-beta-ionone is naturally found in various plant sources, including violets, roses, and certain fruits like raspberries. It is biosynthesized from carotenoids through enzymatic degradation, a process that occurs in many plants. This compound is often used to impart a "natural" flavor or fragrance designation due to its widespread occurrence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-beta-ionone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and woody profiles. It acts as a key modifier in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, (E)-beta-ionone is a versatile ingredient used across floral, woody, and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing a rich, violet-like character that enhances the overall fragrance composition. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

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 No. 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-beta-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 minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-beta-ionone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in woody compositions, where it can add a unique twist.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-beta-ionone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the compound is supported by robust scientific and industry data.

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 13:13:17 GMT (p2)