Methyl Ionone Gamma

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name: Mixture of methyl-substituted ionone isomers

• 🧪 Synonyms: Methyl Ionone Gamma, Gamma-Methylionone, Ionone Violet

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: Varies (mixture of C₁₃H₂₀O isomers)

• 📂 CAS N°: 1335-46-2

• 📘 FEMA: 3735 (for some isomers)

• ⚖️ MW: ~192.30 g/mol (average across isomers)

• 📝 Odor Type: Floral (Violet)

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Floral, creamy, violet, orris, woody, fruity

• ⚗️ Uses: Floralizer, Modifier, Core Note Ingredient

• 🧴 Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless oily liquid

What is Methyl Ionone Gamma?

Methyl Ionone Gamma is a complex mixture of methylated ionone isomers, predominantly Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, used to recreate violet and orris-type floral nuances. Belonging to the ketone family of ionones, these compounds are structurally derived from pseudoionone and produced via acid-catalyzed cyclization followed by methylation.

Each grade of methyl ionone gamma varies in isomer composition, influencing the final olfactory profile—from woody or dry-floral to smooth and creamy. Refined qualities exhibit a velvety, powdery body with a distinctive creamy top note, making them highly valued in prestige perfumery.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Methyl Ionone Gamma provides a sweet-powdery violet note, with creamy, orris-like depth and a subtly woody-fruity backdrop. Its performance is defined more by texture and persistence than by projection.

It functions in perfumery as:

• A key floral modifier for violet, iris, and ylang-ylang

• A woody enhancer in vetiver-amber or chypre accords

• A blender for salicylate-rich, leathery, or musky compositions

• A softener in powdery or vintage-style floral blends

Usage levels may range widely, with some perfume bases using up to 25% concentration. Its fixative and bridging qualities enable seamless transitions between top and base notes.

Suggested internal link: Explore Smell of Specific Chemical Groups for insights into ketone-based floral aroma compounds.

Industrial & Technical Uses

Outside perfumery, methyl ionone isomers are used in:

• Detergents and personal care products (soaps, shampoos)

• Fabric conditioners with floral or powdery profiles

• Flavor (trace levels, FEMA-listed for specific isomers)

• Aroma encapsulation and fragrance delivery systems

Due to their relatively low volatility, methyl ionones offer long-lasting scent impact even in high-temperature applications like laundry products.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA-listed: Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is regulated under IFRA Standards and the EU Cosmetic Regulation (Annex III, Entry 83)

• Allergen declaration: Required above threshold concentrations (0.01% leave-on, 0.1% rinse-off)

• ECHA REACH: Not classified as CMR or endocrine disruptor

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols and oils

• Stability: Excellent under most formulation conditions

As with all ionones, patch testing may be recommended for sensitive skin or high-dose applications.

Suggested internal link: Review List of 26 Fragrance Allergens for compliance.

Additional Information

• Not to be confused with Beta-Ionone (more woody and less creamy)

• Often used in orris reconstructions and violet-lipstick-type accords

• Compatible with alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde, methyl octine carbonate, and heliotropin

• Used historically in Fougère, Chypre, and Floral Aldehydic families

Sources

• User-provided information

• BASF Product Data – Methyl Ionone Gamma

• FEMA GRAS Database

• IFRA Standards Documentation

• ECHA Substance Information

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander (1969)