gamma-Ionone (CAS 79-76-5) — Floral Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
gamma-Ionone
CAS 79-76-5
What Is gamma-Ionone?
Gamma-ionone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a violet-like floral character to perfumes, body care products, and candles. It’s often used to enhance floral bouquets or create fruity nuances. This versatile molecule matters because it bridges floral and woody accords, offering perfumers a subtle yet impactful tool for creating sophisticated scent profiles at affordable concentrations.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does gamma-Ionone Smell Like?
Gamma-ionone unfolds as a delicate dance between powdery violet petals and sun-warmed cedar shavings. The initial burst carries a jammy raspberry nuance that quickly settles into a refined floral heart with orris-like sophistication. As it dries down, it reveals a whisper of dry woodiness reminiscent of pencil shavings and aged paper. The overall effect is soft yet tenacious – like catching the scent of violets growing near an old wooden fence on a spring afternoon.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a floral-woody bridge that connects the bright citrus opening to the musky drydown, creating a seamless transition with its soft violet character.
Enhances the powdery iris core with woody-violet facets, adding dimensionality without overwhelming the delicate floral heart.
Provides the subtle violet impression that floats above the watery cucumber and wheat accords, creating an ethereal quality.
Forms the central violet-wood accord that gives this fragrance its distinctive character, blending seamlessly with sandalwood.
Used in the base to support the powdery violet theme, adding woody depth to balance the sweet top notes.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(=O)C=CC1C(=C)CCCC1(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Gamma-ionone belongs to the ionone family of cyclic terpenoids, specifically a gamma-substituted derivative of alpha-ionone. While ionones occur naturally in violets and raspberries, gamma-ionone is predominantly synthesized via acid-catalyzed cyclization of pseudoionone. The molecule features a cyclohexenone ring with an extended conjugated system that contributes to its distinctive violet odor. Unlike alpha- and beta-ionone, the gamma variant exhibits greater stability in alkaline conditions due to its molecular configuration. Modern production often employs biocatalytic methods for improved stereoselectivity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 266-268 °C |
| Density | 0.932 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.498-1.502 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | For violet-woody accords |
| Body Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds floral sophistication |
| Candles | 0.2-1% | Up to 2% | Good thermal stability |
| Soaps | 0.05-0.3% | Up to 0.5% | Retains character in alkaline media |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionone alpha to create a fuller violet effect while maintaining diffusion.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers stronger woody notes with similar violet character, better for masculine fragrances.
A commercial blend that provides more intense violet notes with greater tenacity.
For a more floral, less woody violet effect with slightly higher volatility.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Classified as safe for all applications within standard usage levels.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety at current usage levels with no significant sensitization risk.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, gamma-ionone production avoids agricultural land use but requires petrochemical feedstocks. Modern synthesis routes have reduced solvent waste and improved energy efficiency. Some manufacturers now offer bio-based versions derived from sustainable beta-pinene sources, though these currently represent less than 10% of global supply.
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References
- Brenna et al. (2003). Biocatalytic preparation of enantiopure ionones. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. PMID 12720358
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Montclair, NJ.
- IFRA Standards Library – Ionones IFRA
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 79-76-5Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 192.3 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 267 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.601💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(=O)C=CC1C(=C)CCCC1(C)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | floralgreenvioletwoody• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | ketonealkene💻 RDKit |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID5052543
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 192.302 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.917 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 267.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 24.117 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 105.256 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.478 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 211.105 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.652 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.652 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.652 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.1 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.003 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.025 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.248 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 17.07 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 59.743 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 23.684 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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