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: 2590
• Other identifiers: FL number 07.008, CoE number 146
• Molecular formula: C13H20O
• Molecular weight: 192.30 g/mol
• Functional groups and structure–odor relevance: (E)-beta-ionone is a monocyclic terpenoid with a conjugated ketone group, contributing to its characteristic violet-like odor. The presence of the conjugated double bond system is crucial for its olfactory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and flavor descriptors: (E)-beta-ionone is known for its floral, woody, and violet-like aroma. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with a diffusive quality.
• Taste and/or odor thresholds: The odor threshold is reported to be in the low ppb range, indicating its potency as a fragrance and flavor component.
• Typical sensory role: It serves as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a floral and woody character that enhances the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known natural sources: (E)-beta-ionone is naturally found in various plants, including violets, raspberries, and certain types of tea. It is a degradation product of carotenoids.
• Formation pathways: It is formed through the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, during plant metabolism.
• Relevance to “natural flavor” or “natural fragrance” designation: Due to its natural occurrence and formation from carotenoids, (E)-beta-ionone can be labeled as a natural flavor or fragrance component.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor categories and applications: (E)-beta-ionone is used in fruit, floral, and tea flavors. It is particularly valued in raspberry and violet flavor profiles.
• Functional role in flavor systems: It acts as an impact note and modifier, enhancing floral and fruity characteristics.
• Typical use levels expressed as ppm in finished food or beverage: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with typical industry use around 1 ppm.
• Stability considerations: (E)-beta-ionone is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat and acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance families and product types: It is commonly used in floral, woody, and oriental fragrance families. It is found in perfumes, soaps, and personal care products.
• Functional role: (E)-beta-ionone serves as a trace realism component and impact note, providing depth and complexity.
• Typical qualitative or quantitative concentration ranges: It is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and top/middle/base contribution: It contributes primarily to the middle notes, offering a lasting floral and woody character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved for use in food and beverages, listed under FL number 07.008.
• United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Follows EU regulations, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Approved for use in food and fragrances, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Generally approved, but specific regulations may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral exposure: Considered safe for use in food with an ADI not specified, indicating low toxicity at typical use levels.
• Dermal exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA standards provide guidance on safe use levels.
• Inhalation exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard precautions.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why this material is valuable: (E)-beta-ionone is prized for its ability to impart a natural violet and woody character, enhancing both flavor and fragrance profiles.
• Typical synergies: Works well with other floral and fruity notes, such as rose and raspberry.
• Common formulation pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering floral note, while underuse may result in a lack of depth.
• Situations where it is frequently over- or under-used: Often overused in attempts to achieve a strong violet note, leading to imbalance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-established data: Comprehensive sensory and regulatory data are available, supporting its safe use.
• Industry-typical but undocumented practices: Usage levels and synergies are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known data gaps or regulatory ambiguities: Limited data on long-term exposure effects, though current evidence supports safety.

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 2026-09-15 07:37:38 GMT (p2)