This section provides an overview of ketoisophorone (4-oxoisophorone), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavour, fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to ketoisophorone manufacturers, supply chain issues, ketoisophorone suppliers, and ketoisophorone prices. Sinofi can help you buy ketoisophorone at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 3421 and CAS 1125-21-9.
Table of Contents
What is Ketoisophorone?
Ketoisophorone, also known as 4-oxoisophorone, is a synthetic flavour compound, contributing the distinctive musty-woody-sweet notes essential to authentic saffron, tea, honey, and tobacco flavour profiles. This α,β-unsaturated ketone belongs to the family of ionone-related compounds and serves as a versatile building block that has shaped modern perfumery and flavour science for decades. Classical tea bases are built around ketoisophorone, combined with materials such as benzyl acetate, beta-ionone, and cis-3-hexenol, among others. Ketoisophorone features a cyclohexene ring system with a conjugated butenone side chain, which contributes significantly to its sensory properties. This structural arrangement places it within the broader category of carotenoid degradation products, compounds that naturally occur in trace amounts during the breakdown of carotenoids in plant materials. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ketoisophorone is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Ketoisophorone has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, Eur-Lex, NIST, and WHO. With FEMA GRAS status (#3421) and EU approval (FLAVIS 07.109), keto-isophorone delivers complex organoleptic character at remarkably low usage levels, typically 2-25 ppm in finished products. Like all flavour ingredients, it must be used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and at levels consistent with safety assessments. Flavour houses maintain comprehensive documentation regarding their safe use levels across different product categories. Material safety data sheets should be consulted for proper handling procedures, as with any chemical ingredient. Standard laboratory safety practices, including appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment, are recommended when handling the concentrated material. The fragrance standard of ketoisophorone has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
Ketoisophorone occurs naturally across a remarkable range of botanicals and foods, supporting natural flavour (WONF) designations where applicable. The compound originates primarily from oxidative degradation of carotenoids.
Saffron (Crocus sativus) represents the most significant natural source, where keto-isophorone appears as the second most potent aroma-active compound with a Flavour Dilution factor of 256 (versus safranal at 512). Research indicates keto-isophorone content increases with drying temperature but decreases with extended heating time, making it a useful freshness marker in saffron quality assessment.
Other documented natural sources include:
- Honey: Up to 8 mg/kg; serves as a botanical origin marker for fir, pine, and Ulmo honeys.
- Tea: Up to 9 mg/kg in both green and black tea varieties, plus rooibos.
- Tobacco: Key volatile in both leaf and smoke.
- Wine grapes: Present in Barbera, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Ribolla gialla, and Rossese varieties.
Sensory Characteristics and Flavour Profile
From a sensory perspective, ketoisophorone delivers a distinctive woody, tobacco-like character with fruity undertones reminiscent of dried fruits and berries. The aroma profile includes nuances described as camphoraceous, slightly minty, and herbaceous, with a characteristic dryness that adds complexity to formulations. At appropriate concentrations, it can contribute sweet, plum-like notes that enhance the depth of fruit flavours. The flavour threshold is relatively low, meaning keto-isophorone exhibits potent sensory activity even at parts-per-million levels. This makes it an economical choice for flavour houses, as only small quantities are needed to achieve the desired effect.
Taste characteristics shift meaningfully with concentration:
• At 2 ppm: Woody, tea-like, earthy, musty
• At 5 ppm: Woody, green, musty, earthy, tea-like
• At 40 ppm: Citrus, floral, musty, tea-like with green sweet fruity nuances
CAS No.: 1125-21-9
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of ketoisophorone is 1125-21-9.
CAS Name: Ketoisophorone
Molecular Formula: C9H12O2
Molecular Mass: 152.19
Appearance: White to light yellow liquid or solid.
JECFA Number: 1857
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: No
Melting Point: 23.00 to 28.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 222.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol; Slightly soluble in water, 1839 mg/L @ 25 °C (est).
Other Names:
♦ Ketoisophorone
♦ 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-ene-1,4-dione
♦ keto-Isophorone
♦ 4-Oxoisophorone
♦ 4-Ketoisophorone
♦ Oxopholone
♦ Oxophorone
♦ 6-Oxoisophorone
♦ Oxoisophorone
Ketoisophorone Odor
Odor Description: At 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol, musty, woody, sweet, tea tobacco leafy.
FEMA Number 3421
According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of ketoisophorone is 3421.
Bulk Ketoisophorone Manufacturers
The bulk ketoisophorone manufacturing is characterized by specialized production, geographic concentration in Asia, and a relatively small number of qualified companies. Top ketoisophorone manufacturers like Givaudan and Symrise maintain an important presence in the keto-isophorone market, though often at a premium price point reflecting higher production costs and stringent regulatory compliance. China has emerged as a significant production hub for ketoisophorone and related aroma chemicals over the past two decades. Chinese ketoisophorone manufacturers dominate the global ketoisophorone market, controlling 65-70% of production capacity. They have developed substantial capacity in fine chemical synthesis. These facilities often produce ketoisophorone alongside related compounds like isophorone, ionones, and damascones, allowing for integrated production processes and cost efficiencies.
Sinofi is a bulk ketoisophorone manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of oxoisophorone. We supply high-quality ketoisophorone at bulk prices and serve the flavour, fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Ketoisophorone
The manufacturing of ketoisophorone represents a well-established area of industrial organic synthesis, with the base-catalyzed aldol condensation route dominating commercial production.
Route 1: Aldol Condensation from Isophorone and Acetone
The most direct industrial route involves the aldol condensation of isophorone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one) with acetone under basic conditions, followed by dehydration and structural rearrangement.
General Reaction Scheme: The process begins with the base-catalyzed enolization of acetone, which then undergoes nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group of isophorone. Subsequent dehydration and ring-opening/rearrangement steps yield keto-isophorone.
Route 2: Base-Catalyzed Condensation via Protected Intermediates
A more controlled approach involves the use of protected or activated carbonyl precursors to improve selectivity.
Methodology: Starting from isophorone, selective protection or activation strategies can be employed. For example, conversion to an enol silyl ether followed by Lewis acid-catalyzed addition to a suitable C4 electrophile (such as methyl vinyl ketone derivatives) can provide improved control over regiochemistry.
Bulk Ketoisophorone Suppliers
The bulk ketoisophorone supply comprises three distinct categories. Top ketoisophorone suppliers like Givaudan and Symrise focus specifically on high-purity oxoisophorone and maintain the most stringent quality control systems. These suppliers typically serve flavour and pharmaceutical applications where regulatory compliance and batch-to-batch consistency prove critical. Their production volumes generally range from several hundred kilograms to multiple metric tons annually, with capabilities for custom specifications and comprehensive documentation. Diversified fine chemical producers represent the second category, offering ketoisophorone alongside broader chemical portfolios. The third category consists of ketoisophorone distributors and trading companies that source material from primary manufacturers and provide logistics, warehousing, and market access services.
Sinofi is a bulk ketoisophorone supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality oxoisophorone. We sell different grades of ketoisophorone at wholesale prices, serving end-users in the flavour, fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Supply Chain of Ketoisophorone
The ketoisophorone supply chain represents a specialized segment within the broader fine chemicals and aroma ingredients industry. As a synthetic flavour and fragrance compound, its supply chain is characterized by multi-tier complexity, geographic concentration of production, specialized distribution networks, and close integration with end-user formulation operations.
The ketoisophorone supply chain exhibits several distinctive features that differentiate it from commodity chemical supply chains:
Specialization: A Limited number of manufacturers with technical capability
Volume: Relatively low annual global consumption (hundreds of metric tons)
Value: Higher per-unit value compared to commodity chemicals
Quality-sensitive: Strict specifications for flavour and fragrance applications
Regulatory complexity: Multiple jurisdictions with varying requirements
The production of ketoisophorone begins with petroleum-derived feedstocks, specifically acetone and mesityl oxide as the primary raw materials. Ketoisophorone manufacturers operate facilities ranging from large-scale integrated chemical plants to smaller specialty chemical producers. The distribution layer of the ketoisophorone supply chain encompasses chemical distributors, logistics providers, and trading companies that facilitate the movement of product from manufacturers to end users. The end user segment of the ketoisophorone supply chain comprises companies across multiple industries that utilize the compound as a chemical intermediate or ingredient in their manufacturing processes. Fragrance and flavour companies employ ketoisophorone both as a direct ingredient and as an intermediate in creating more complex aromatic compounds.
Wholesale and Buy Ketoisophorone in Bulk
Successful wholesale procurement of ketoisophorone requires balancing cost efficiency with quality assurance and supply reliability. By thoroughly evaluating suppliers, ketoisophorone buyers can secure advantageous supply arrangements that support their organization’s operational needs. As with any bulk chemical procurement, building strong supplier relationships and maintaining supply chain flexibility remain fundamental to long-term success.
Key Considerations for Bulk Purchasing
Purity Specifications
When procuring ketoisophorone in bulk, purity levels typically range from 95% to 99%+. Your specification requirements should align with your intended application. Pharmaceutical-grade synthesis demands higher purity levels, while certain industrial applications may tolerate lower grades at reduced costs. Always request Certificates of Analysis (CoA) that detail purity percentage, moisture content, and potential impurities.
Supplier Evaluation
Thorough supplier vetting is essential. Consider the following criteria when evaluating potential vendors:
• Manufacturing capabilities and production capacity
• Quality management systems
• Regulatory compliance with REACH, TSCA, or other relevant frameworks
• Track record and references from existing customers
• Financial stability and business continuity planning
• Technical support and documentation quality
Pricing Structures
Wholesale ketoisophorone pricing varies based on several factors, including purity grade, order volume, market conditions, and geographic location of the supplier. Bulk quantities typically start at 25kg drums, with significant price breaks available at metric ton volumes. Request tiered pricing quotations and negotiate long-term supply agreements to secure favorable rates.
As a bulk ketoisophorone manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the flavour, fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries. We also supply oxoisophorone to small customers. Normally, they want to buy ketoisophorone in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell ketoisophorone at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Ketoisophorone Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Ketoisophorone Prices (GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 38 USD | Express |
| 500g | 190 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 270 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Ketoisophorone pricing diverges dramatically based on sourcing region, purity grade, and order volume. Ketoisophorone trades at $250-400/kg from established North American and European suppliers at mid-scale quantities. They offer transparent, documented pricing with full quality certifications, while Chinese manufacturers provide substantially lower prices, requiring careful due diligence.
Current Price Levels and Market Ranges
Flavour/fragrance grade (98-99% purity) represents the most commonly traded specification, carrying FEMA 3421 certification for food applications.
| Volume Tier | North American / European Price |
| 1-5 kg | $270-420 /Kg |
| 5-25 kg | $250-320/Kg |
| 25-100 kg | $190-280/Kg |
| Metric ton scale | Quote required |
Chinese ketoisophorone manufacturers leverage lower raw material costs and labor expenses to offer 20-40% price advantages versus European production. As regulatory requirements tighten and clean-label preferences accelerate, the ketoisophorone price will tend to stabilize in the coming years.
Furthermore, the above ketoisophorone price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of oxoisophorone. However, the bulk wholesale prices of ketoisophorone will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Ketoisophorone Specification
| Appearance (>25°C) | White to light yellow liquid or solid. |
| Odor: | Musty, woody, sweet tea, tobacco leafy |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Moisture | <=0.1% |
| Impurities | <=1.0% |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Ketoisophorone Uses
Ketoisophorone, characterized by its distinctive saffron-like aroma, serves as a critical building block in synthesizing numerous high-value products ranging from fragrances to pharmaceuticals.
Fragrance and Flavour Industry
The fragrance and flavour sector represents one of the largest markets for ketoisophorone. The compound’s primary value lies in creating character-impact for saffron reconstructions, where it provides the essential earthy-woody sweetness that distinguishes authentic saffron from mere safranal-based approximations. Beyond saffron, oxoisophorone serves as a critical bridge compound in tea and tobacco accords, linking fresh green aspects with cured brown notes—a transitional quality impossible to achieve with most conventional materials.
Ketoisophorone also plays several important roles in the synthesis of fragrance monomers:
Ionone Synthesis
Ketoisophorone is a key precursor in manufacturing alpha-ionone, beta-ionone, and related compounds. These ionones are prized ingredients in perfumery, contributing violet, woody, and floral notes to countless fragrance formulations. The global perfume industry’s continued growth sustains robust demand for these ketoisophorone-derived aromatics.
Damascone Production
Through selective chemical transformations, ketoisophorone yields damascones—powerful aroma chemicals that impart rose, fruity, and tobacco-like notes. Damascones are highly valued in fine perfumery due to their complex olfactory profiles and excellent diffusion characteristics.
Irone Synthesis
Irone compounds, which provide the characteristic scent of iris root (orris), can be synthesized using keto-isophorone as a starting material. Given that natural orris extraction is extremely costly and time-consuming, synthetic routes via oxoisophorone offer economically viable alternatives.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industries
Ketoisophorone plays an increasingly important role in pharmaceutical synthesis and nutraceutical production:
Carotenoid Synthesis
The compound serves as a starting material for producing various carotenoids, including zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. These pigments have gained significant attention for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, driving demand in both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement markets.
Vitamin E Intermediates
Ketoisophorone participates in synthetic pathways leading to tocopherols (vitamin E compounds). As consumer interest in antioxidant supplementation continues growing, this application maintains steady industrial relevance.
Terpenoid Drug Precursors
Various terpenoid-based pharmaceutical compounds utilize oxoisophorone in their synthesis. The compound’s structural features make it amenable to transformations yielding complex molecular architectures required in drug development.
Ketoisophorone Benefits
Ketoisophorone’s benefits ripple outward from its role as a chemical intermediate to touch virtually every aspect of modern life. Industrially, it offers synthetic versatility, cost efficiency, and supply chain reliability. Through its derivatives, it delivers tangible health benefits, including antioxidant protection, visual health support, and potential cardiovascular and cognitive advantages.
Industrial and Manufacturing Benefits
Synthetic Versatility
One of ketoisophorone’s most significant benefits lies in its exceptional synthetic versatility. The compound’s molecular architecture, featuring a reactive enone system within a substituted cyclohexene ring, enables diverse chemical transformations.
Multiple Reaction Pathways
Ketoisophorone readily undergoes reduction, oxidation, condensation, and rearrangement reactions, allowing chemists to access a wide variety of structural motifs from a single starting material. This flexibility reduces the need for multiple specialized precursors in manufacturing operations.
Stereochemical Control
The compound’s structure facilitates stereoselective transformations, enabling the production of specific isomers required for fragrance, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications where molecular geometry directly impacts biological activity or sensory properties.
Functional Group Tolerance
Ketoisophorone’s stability under various reaction conditions allows it to be incorporated into complex synthetic sequences without unwanted degradation or side reactions.
Ketoisophorone in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Within the context of e-liquid formulations, ketoisophorone functions primarily as a component of flavouring concentrates that are blended with base liquids and, in many products, nicotine to create the final consumer product. E-liquid manufacturers typically source flavouring compounds from specialized flavour houses that develop proprietary blends designed to replicate specific taste experiences or create novel flavour profiles. These flavouring concentrates may contain keto-isophorone alongside numerous other volatile organic compounds, each contributing specific sensory attributes to the overall flavour composition.
The concentration of keto-isophorone in finished e-liquid products varies considerably depending on the specific flavour profile, the formulation approach employed by the manufacturer, and the sourcing decisions regarding flavouring ingredients. Products marketed with fruit-forward or berry-inspired flavour descriptions may be more likely to contain keto-isophorone due to its sensory characteristics. The incorporation of keto-isophorone into e-liquid formulations reflects broader patterns in the vaping industry, where flavour variety and innovation serve as key competitive differentiators and consumer preference drivers.
Regulatory Framework and Policy Considerations
The regulatory treatment of keto-isophorone in e-liquid and vaping products varies across different jurisdictions, reflecting broader differences in approaches to vaping product oversight and the evolving nature of regulatory frameworks in this relatively new product category. The European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive has evaluated the safety of flavouring compounds in vaping products, with some jurisdictions implementing restrictions on certain categories of flavouring chemicals.
The US FDA has also taken a product-specific authorization approach through the Tobacco Control Act.
A Green Tea Flavour Essence
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Benzyl acetate 0.03 parts, β-dihydrodamascenone 0.06 parts, beta-ionone 0.01 parts, terpineol 0.03 parts, cis-3-hexenol 0.02 parts, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate 0.08 parts, theaspirone 0.08 parts, theaspirane 0.01 parts, green tea powder 1 part, orchid extract 0.5 parts, sweet orange oil 0.08 parts, propylene glycol 70 parts, glycerol 10 parts.
In conclusion, ketoisophorone exemplifies the importance of versatile chemical intermediates in modern industry. From the perfumes we wear to the vitamins we consume, this compound’s derivatives touch numerous aspects of daily life. As a bulk ketoisophorone manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of ketoisophorone at wholesale prices to clients around the world.