FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Ionone (CAS: 14901-07-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Beta-ionone is a significant compound in the flavor and fragrance industry, known for its violet-like aroma. Its IUPAC name is 4-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one. The CAS number for beta-ionone is 14901-07-6. It is also identified by FEMA number 2593. The molecular formula is C13H20O, with a molecular weight of 192.30 g/mol. Beta-ionone contains a ketone functional group, which contributes to its characteristic odor profile. The structure-odor relationship is crucial, as the presence of the conjugated double bond system in the cyclohexene ring is responsible for its olfactory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Beta-ionone is characterized by its floral, woody, and fruity notes, often described as violet-like with a hint of raspberry. It has a moderate intensity and a high diffusion rate, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The odor threshold of beta-ionone is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable scent even at minimal concentrations. It is typically used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions, providing depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Beta-ionone naturally occurs in various plants, including violets, roses, and certain fruits. It is a degradation product of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, through enzymatic processes. This compound is significant in the context of "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, as it can be derived from natural sources through extraction and isolation processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, beta-ionone is used across various categories, including fruit, floral, and berry flavors. It serves as a functional component to enhance the realism and depth of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. Beta-ionone is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Beta-ionone is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral, woody, and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier 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 effect. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other fragrance components, providing a long-lasting scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, beta-ionone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, beta-ionone is permitted for use in flavors and fragrances, although specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also allow its use, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Beta-ionone is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, with IFRA standards providing guidance on safe use levels. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. 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

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 the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should consider its stability and compatibility with other ingredients to optimize its impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on beta-ionone is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in the available data is high, with minimal gaps or ambiguities.

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 2026-04-10 07:12:41 GMT (p2)