Beta Ionone

Beta Ionone (CAS #14901-07-6) is a naturally occurring aromatic compound found in various plants, notably in roses, violets, and a range of fruits and vegetables including carrots, tomatoes, melons, raspberries, apricots, plums, apples, and figs346. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet, floral, and violet-like aroma, sometimes described as having subtle woody or cedar notes16.

Key Features and Applications

• Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient:
  Beta ionone is widely used in the perfume and flavor industries for its pleasant floral scent. In perfumery, it imparts a sweet, violet-like aroma and is often blended with other ingredients to create complex floral and fruity accords. It is also a valued component in soaps, candles, and personal care products for its long-lasting and elegant scent profile1456.

• Flavoring Agent:
  In the flavor industry, beta ionone contributes to the profiles of various berry, orchard, and tropical fruit flavors—such as blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, and cranberry—by enhancing floral and fruity notes23. It is used in food and beverage products including baked goods, confectionery, and alcoholic beverages46.

• Industrial and Pharmaceutical Use:
  Beta ionone serves as a key starting material for the synthesis of vitamin A, vitamin E, carotene, and certain fragrance molecules46. Its stable structure and versatile reactivity make it an important intermediate in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

• Biological and Ecological Role:
  In plants, beta ionone is a volatile apocarotenoid derived from the oxidative cleavage of beta-carotene. It contributes to plant aroma, acts as an ecological cue, and has roles as an insect attractant or repellent, as well as exhibiting antibacterial and fungicidal properties3.

Potential Health and Therapeutic Properties

Recent studies have explored beta ionone’s potential medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. It has demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects in laboratory studies, although further research is needed to confirm its therapeutic applications in humans346.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Storage and Handling

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat and sources of ignition.

• Keep containers tightly closed to preserve quality and prevent oxidation6.

Summary

Beta ionone is a versatile and essential compound in the fragrance, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. Its sweet, floral aroma is highly prized in perfumery and flavor formulations, while its role as a chemical intermediate makes it valuable for the synthesis of vitamins and other specialty chemicals. Additionally, ongoing research continues to explore its potential health benefits and ecological significance