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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Alpha-ionone is a significant compound in the flavor and fragrance industry, known for its violet-like aroma. The IUPAC name for alpha-ionone is (E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one. It is registered under CAS number 127-41-3. The FEMA number for alpha-ionone is 2593. Other identifiers include FL number 07.008 and CoE number 146. The molecular formula is C13H20O, with a molecular weight of 192.30 g/mol. Alpha-ionone contains a cyclohexene ring and a conjugated ketone group, which are crucial for its odor characteristics, contributing to its floral and woody notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Alpha-ionone is characterized by its floral, woody, and violet-like aroma, often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion. It is a key impact note in violet and orris fragrances and flavors. The odor threshold of alpha-ionone is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it provides a floral and slightly fruity note, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of the formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Alpha-ionone naturally occurs in various plants, including violets, raspberries, and certain types of tea. It is formed through the oxidative degradation of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which is a common pathway in many fruits and flowers. This compound is often used to impart a "natural" flavor or fragrance designation due to its presence in nature, although it is frequently synthesized for commercial use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, alpha-ionone is used across a variety of categories, including fruit, floral, and tea flavors. It serves as an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the floral and fruity aspects of a formulation. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm. Alpha-ionone is stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Alpha-ionone is a versatile component in the fragrance industry, used in floral, woody, and chypre fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and an impact note, providing a violet-like scent that enhances the complexity of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Alpha-ionone contributes primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

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 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 levels defined by local regulations. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations that generally align with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Alpha-ionone is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) is not specifically established, but it is used within GRAS limits. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

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, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under extreme conditions and avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth.

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, although specific numeric values for certain safety thresholds are not always explicitly reported. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-02-13 14:42:12 GMT (p2)