Methyl Ionone Gamma A
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Methyl Ionone Gamma A is a refined synthetic ingredient from the ionone family, valued for its floral-violet character and its creamy, powdery texture. Composed of a mixture of isomers, this material exhibits a velvet-like, orris-root tone with woody and fruity undertones. Methyl Ionone Gamma A serves as a backbone and modifier in perfumery, supporting floral, woody, and leathery notes, and is commonly used in concentrations of up to 25% in complex compositions. It is especially effective in formulations with ylang-ylang, vetiver, and salicylates.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Methyl Ionone Gamma A is a refined synthetic ingredient from the ionone family, valued for its floral-violet character and its creamy, powdery texture. Composed of a mixture of isomers, this material exhibits a velvet-like, orris-root tone with woody and fruity undertones. Methyl Ionone Gamma A serves as a backbone and modifier in perfumery, supporting floral, woody, and leathery notes, and is commonly used in concentrations of up to 25% in complex compositions. It is especially effective in formulations with ylang-ylang, vetiver, and salicylates.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Methyl Ionone Gamma A is a refined synthetic ingredient from the ionone family, valued for its floral-violet character and its creamy, powdery texture. Composed of a mixture of isomers, this material exhibits a velvet-like, orris-root tone with woody and fruity undertones. Methyl Ionone Gamma A serves as a backbone and modifier in perfumery, supporting floral, woody, and leathery notes, and is commonly used in concentrations of up to 25% in complex compositions. It is especially effective in formulations with ylang-ylang, vetiver, and salicylates.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: IFF
🔎 Chemical Name: Methyl Ionone Gamma A (mixture of isomers)
📂 CAS N°: 1335-46-2
📘 FEMA: —
⚖️ MW: Varies (mixture of isomers)
📝 Odor Type: Floral, Violet
📈 Odor Strength: Medium
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Floral, velvety, violet, orris, slightly woody and fruity; refined qualities show creamy top-note and powdery-sweet drydown
👅 Flavor Profile: Floral, violet-orris, woody, dry fruity
⚗️ Uses: Enhances floral, woody, and leathery notes; ideal in ylang-ylang, vetiver, and salicylate compositions
🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
What is Methyl Ionone Gamma A?
Methyl Ionone Gamma A is part of the broader ionone family, derived from the degradation of carotenoids. Unlike its alpha and beta counterparts, the gamma isomer mixture offers a smoother, more uniform olfactory profile. It is especially sought after in luxury perfumery for its refined top-note, often described as creamy, and its long-lasting, powdery finish.
This material is a synthetic composition, composed of multiple structural isomers including alpha-isomethyl ionone, which contributes significantly to its violet-like signature. Due to its highly complex nature, precise analytical separation of these isomers is typically not performed at the commercial level.
Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications
The scent of Methyl Ionone Gamma A is described as:
Floral-violet: reminiscent of Parma violet or orris root
Creamy & powdery: top notes display a soft, smooth lift
Woody & dry-fruity: supporting base accords and modifiers
In perfumery, it functions primarily as a modifier and volume-enhancer for:
Ylang-Ylang florals: supporting and rounding the solar-floral spectrum
Woody vetiver accords: softening sharp green edges
Leathery/salicylate systems: adding warmth and a plush, cosmetic effect
It is used in fragrance categories such as:
Chypres and florientals
Cosmetic and powdery accords
Vintage floral-leather blends
Industrial & Technical Uses
While primarily a perfumery material, methyl ionone gamma derivatives are occasionally used in:
Personal care (shampoos, lotions) for long-lasting floral tonality
Flavorings, particularly in floral-candy-like compositions or as part of orris mimetics (though usage is minor)
Regulatory & Safety Overview
IFRA Guidelines: Not currently restricted under the IFRA 51st Amendment; however, individual isomers (e.g., alpha-isomethyl ionone) may be listed as allergens under EU Cosmetic Regulation (Annex III)
FEMA/Flavor Use: FEMA N° not attributed to this isomer blend for direct flavor use (check individual components)
Allergen Status: Alpha-isomethyl ionone is among the 26 declarable allergens per EU regulation — required if exceeding 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products [see List of 26 Fragrance Allergens]
Toxicological Status: Considered to have low acute toxicity; avoid in sensitization-prone compositions without appropriate dilution
Additional Information
Major Component: Alpha-isomethyl ionone (common in both Methyl Ionone Gamma A and as a separate IFRA-listed molecule)
Historical Relevance: A classic material in orris/violet reconstructions, dating back to early 20th-century floral accords
Appearance: Viscous pale liquid; miscible with alcohol and oils
Sources
Scentspiracy Internal Archive – Fulvio Ciccolo (2024)
S. Arctander – Perfume and Flavor Chemicals
BASF Technical Sheets – Ionone series
IFRA 51st Amendment
ECHA Substance Information – 1335-46-2
PubChem Database
