This section provides an overview of alpha-ionone, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, and applications in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries. Also, please check out the introduction to alpha-ionone manufacturers, supply chain issues, alpha-ionone suppliers, and alpha-ionone prices. Sinofi can help you buy alpha-ionone at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2594 and CAS 127-41-3.
Table of Contents
What is Alpha-Ionone?
Alpha-ionone represents one of the most important aroma chemicals in the flavour and fragrance industry. This ketone compound plays a crucial role in creating violet-like, woody, and floral notes that are essential to numerous flavour applications. Alpha-Ionone belongs to the ionone family of compounds, which are cyclic terpenoid ketones. It features a cyclohexene ring structure with a ketone functional group and an unsaturated side chain. This specific molecular architecture is responsible for its distinctive organoleptic properties and its behavior in various formulation matrices. Its relatively low water solubility and good stability in standard formulation conditions make it particularly suitable for incorporation into both aqueous and oil-based flavour systems. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alpha-ionone is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Alpha-Ionone has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, EUR-LEX, NIST, and WHO. It is generally recognized as safe for use in food applications. Alpha-ionone carries FEMA GRAS status, which facilitates its use in commercial flavour formulations across global markets. From a safety perspective, alpha-ionone demonstrates good stability under typical storage and processing conditions. However, like many unsaturated ketones, it can undergo oxidation over time, particularly when exposed to light, heat, or atmospheric oxygen. Formulators should consider appropriate stabilization strategies and storage protocols to maintain product quality throughout shelf life. The fragrance standard of alpha-ionone has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
Alpha-ionone occurs naturally in various botanical sources, though typically at trace levels. It can be found in essential oils derived from violet flowers, orris root, and certain fruits. The compound is also present in tea, particularly in aged oolong and black tea varieties, where it contributes to the characteristic floral notes that develop during oxidation and fermentation processes. Understanding these natural occurrences helps formulators create more authentic and recognizable flavour profiles.
Sensory Characteristics and Flavour Profile
Alpha-ionone delivers a characteristic violet-floral aroma with woody and orris-like undertones. The scent profile is notably different from its isomer beta-Ionone, being described as more floral and less intense. At low concentrations, the compound imparts a delicate, powdery violet character, while at higher levels, the woody and cedar-like aspects become more pronounced. This concentration-dependent character makes alpha-ionone particularly valuable for creating depth and complexity in flavour formulations.
The odor threshold of alpha-ionone is relatively low, allowing it to contribute significantly to the overall flavour profile even when used at minimal levels. This efficiency makes it both cost-effective and practical for commercial applications.
CAS No.: 127-41-3
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of alpha-ionone is 127-41-3
CAS Name: α-Ionone
Molecular Formula: C13H20O
Molecular Mass: 192.30
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 2594
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 237.00 to 238.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, propylene glycol, most fixed oils; Insoluble in glycerol and water.
Other Names:
♦α-Cyclocitrylideneacetone
♦α-Ionone
♦ trans-α-Ionone
♦ (E)-α-Ionone
♦ (5E)-Ionone
♦ (±)-α-Ionone
♦ (±)-trans-α-Ionone
♦ Irisone alpha
Alpha-Ionone Odor
Odor Strength: Medium, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less.
Substantivity: 112 hour(s) at 100.00%.
Odor Description: At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol, sweet, woody, floral violet orris, tropical fruity
FEMA Number 2594
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of alpha-ionone is 2594.
Bulk Alpha-Ionone Manufacturers
The production of bulk alpha-ionone is dominated by several established chemical manufacturers with extensive expertise in terpenoid chemistry and large-scale synthesis capabilities. Top alpha-ionone manufacturers like Firmenich, Takasago, IFF, and BASF stand among the leading global manufacturers, leveraging their integrated production facilities and extensive research capabilities to supply high-quality alpha-ionone to the fragrance and flavour industries. They benefit from vertical integration, often controlling multiple steps in the production chain from raw materials through final purification. Asia has gained considerable market presence over the past two decades. Chinese alpha-ionone manufacturers have developed substantial production capacity for alpha-ionone, focusing on cost-competitive production while meeting international regulatory requirements.
Sinofi is a bulk alpha-ionone manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of α-Ionone. We supply high-quality alpha-ionone at bulk prices and serve the flavour, fragrance, and food industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Alpha-Ionone
The commercial production of alpha-ionone represents a well-established process within the fine chemical industry, combining principles of carbonyl chemistry, acid-catalyzed cyclization reactions, and precision purification techniques. The synthesis of this important aroma chemical requires careful control of reaction conditions, thorough understanding of mechanistic pathways, and sophisticated separation methods to achieve the high purity and organoleptic quality demanded by the flavour and fragrance industries.
Raw Materials and Precursor Synthesis
The industrial synthesis of alpha-ionone begins with two readily available raw materials: citral and acetone. Citral, a mixture of geranial and neral isomers, is typically produced synthetically from isoprene derivatives. Acetone serves as both a reactant and, in many processes, as a solvent medium, providing economic advantages through its dual functionality. The first stage of alpha-ionone synthesis involves the aldol condensation of citral with acetone to form pseudoionone.
Cyclization to Alpha-Ionone
The conversion of pseudoionone to alpha-ionone constitutes the critical transformation in the manufacturing sequence. This reaction proceeds through acid-catalyzed cyclization. The product distribution from pseudoionone cyclization includes both alpha-ionone and beta-ionone, with their relative proportions depending on reaction conditions and the geometric isomer distribution in the pseudoionone feedstock.
Neutralization and Work-Up
Following cyclization, the reaction mixture requires careful neutralization to halt the acid-catalyzed reactions and prepare the product for purification. The crude product mixture undergoes phase separation to isolate the organic layer containing the ionone products from the aqueous layer containing dissolved salts and residual catalyst.
Purification and Isolation
The purification of alpha-ionone from the crude product mixture represents perhaps the most technically demanding aspect of the manufacturing process, as it requires separation from beta-ionone and various minor byproducts while maintaining the delicate organoleptic properties that determine commercial value. Fractional distillation under reduced pressure serves as the primary purification method, exploiting the modest boiling point difference between alpha-ionone and beta-ionone to achieve separation.
Bulk Alpha-Ionone Suppliers
The alpha-ionone supply market operates through multiple channels, with suppliers ranging from vertically integrated manufacturers selling directly to end users, through specialized distributors serving regional markets, to trading companies facilitating international commerce. Top alpha-ionone manufacturers like Firmenich, Takasago, IFF, and BASF represent the primary source for large-volume purchasers, particularly multinational flavour and fragrance companies. Their global distribution networks and technical support services provide significant competitive advantages, particularly when serving multinational customers requiring consistent quality across multiple production sites. They typically impose minimum order quantities measured in metric tons. Asia has substantially expanded its market presence over recent decades, with Chinese alpha-ionone suppliers emerging as major sources for cost-competitive material.
Sinofi is a bulk alpha-ionone supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality α-Ionone. We sell different grades of alpha-ionone at wholesale prices, serving end-users in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Supply Chain of Alpha-Ionone
The alpha-ionone supply chain represents a complex, multi-tiered network connecting raw material producers, chemical manufacturers, distributors, and end-use industries across global markets. This supply chain exhibits characteristics typical of specialty chemical markets, including technical complexity, quality differentiation, regulatory requirements, and geographic concentration at various stages.
Supply Chain Overview and Fundamental Structure
The alpha-ionone supply chain operates through five distinct tiers, each contributing specific value and performing essential functions within the broader network. Raw material suppliers occupy the foundational tier, providing citral and acetone that serve as chemical building blocks for alpha-ionone synthesis. Alpha-ionone manufacturers constitute the second tier, transforming these raw materials into alpha-ionone through multi-step synthetic processes. Third-tier distributors and trading companies facilitate geographic distribution and provide market access for smaller purchasers unable to meet the manufacturer’s minimum order requirements. The fourth tier encompasses formulators and compounders who incorporate alpha-ionone into flavour compositions, fragrance blends, and finished consumer products. Finally, brand owners and retailers represent the fifth tier, bringing finished products containing alpha-ionone to end consumers through diverse commercial channels. This tiered structure reflects specialization and economies of scale at different stages of value creation.
Wholesale and Buy Alpha-Ionone in Bulk
Successful wholesale procurement of alpha-ionone requires comprehensive attention to supplier selection, quality assurance, commercial terms, risk management, and relationship development. Alpha-ionone buyers must balance multiple competing objectives, including cost optimization, quality assurance, supply reliability, and sustainability performance. The decision to purchase alpha-ionone in wholesale quantities represents a significant commitment requiring careful evaluation of supplier capabilities, quality standards, commercial terms, and total cost implications.
Understanding Bulk Purchasing Advantages
The decision to procure alpha-ionone in bulk quantities rather than through smaller, more frequent orders stems from several compelling economic and operational considerations. Volume purchasing typically delivers unit cost reductions ranging from fifteen to thirty percent compared to smaller order quantities, with the magnitude of savings depending on supplier pricing structures and negotiated terms. These savings reflect manufacturer economies of scale in production scheduling, reduced packaging and handling costs per unit, and suppliers’ preference for larger orders that improve their own operational efficiency.
Beyond direct price advantages, bulk purchasing reduces transaction costs associated with order processing, quality verification, payment processing, and receiving operations.
Establishing Procurement Requirements and Specifications
Effective bulk purchasing begins with a comprehensive definition of technical requirements and quality specifications. Alpha-Ionone applications in flavour and fragrance formulations demand precise control of purity levels, isomeric composition, and organoleptic characteristics. Purchasing managers must work closely with technical teams to establish specifications that adequately protect product quality while avoiding unnecessarily tight parameters that limit supplier options or increase costs without corresponding value.
Supplier Identification and Qualification
Identifying appropriate suppliers for bulk alpha-ionone procurement requires systematic market research and careful evaluation of candidate capabilities. Each supplier category presents distinct value propositions requiring evaluation against organizational priorities and application requirements. The qualification process should examine supplier production capabilities, quality management systems, regulatory compliance status, and financial stability. Site visits to manufacturing facilities provide valuable insights regarding production processes, quality control procedures, housekeeping standards, and overall operational competence. These visits allow purchasing managers to assess supplier capabilities firsthand while building relationships with operational and technical personnel who will support ongoing supply relationships.
As a bulk alpha-ionone manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries. We also supply α-Ionone to small customers. Normally, they want to buy alpha-ionone in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell alpha-ionone at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Alpha-Ionone Prices (USD/Kg)
The alpha-ionone pricing reflects the complex interplay of production economics, raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, and competitive forces characteristic of specialty aroma chemical markets. Current market prices demonstrate significant variation based on quality grade, supplier origin, purchase volume, and delivery terms.
Fragrance Grade Alpha-Ionone Prices (GC Content =77.0-84.0%, Sum Ionone>=90%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 52 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 75 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Food Grade Alpha-Irisone (Alpha-Ionone) Prices (GC Content >=90.0%, Sum Ionone>=95%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 15 USD | Express |
| 500g | 77 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 110 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Current Price Levels and Market Ranges
Bulk industrial pricing for synthetic alpha-ionone (90% purity) ranges considerably lower at $80-130/kg for large-volume contracts. Standard fragrance-grade alpha-ionone with 80% purity trades at $60-80/kg in bulk quantities. Alpha-ionone with 70% purity, typically used in industrial soap formulations, also trades at $30-50/kg in bulk quantities.
The natural versus synthetic price differential represents the market’s most dramatic disparity. Natural alpha-ionone, produced exclusively through litsea cubeba oil and lemongrass oil due to the impossibility of economical extraction from plants, commands $500-800/kg or more—a premium of 10 times over synthetic alternatives.
Furthermore, the above alpha-ionone price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of α-Ionone. However, the bulk wholesale prices of alpha-ionone will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Alpha-Ionone Specification
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Musty, woody, sweet tea, tobacco leafy |
| Purity (GC) | >=90%; >=80%; >=70%; |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.497 – 1.506 |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 0.927 – 0.933 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Alpha-Ionone Uses
Alpha-Ionone demonstrates remarkable versatility across fragrance and flavour applications, contributing a distinctive violet-floral character with woody undertones to products ranging from luxury perfumes to household cleaners, from premium teas to confectionery items.
Fragrance Applications in Fine Perfumery
The use of alpha-ionone in fine perfumery represents one of its most prestigious and technically demanding applications. Perfumers value this compound for its ability to impart a delicate violet-floral character that adds sophistication and depth to fragrance compositions. Unlike its more intense isomer, beta-Ionone, α-Ionone provides a softer, more subtle floral impression that blends harmoniously with other fragrance ingredients without dominating the overall composition.
In floral bouquet fragrances, α-Ionone serves as a supporting player that enhances and rounds out the floral character provided by primary ingredients. It complements rose notes particularly well, adding powdery violet facets that increase the perceived naturalness and complexity of rose compositions. Chypre fragrances represent another important application area where alpha-ionone contributes to the characteristic mossy, woody-floral profile that defines this classic fragrance family. Oriental fragrances utilize alpha-ionone to add floral complexity and smooth transitions between disparate fragrance families.
Flavor Applications in Food and Beverage
Alpha-Ionone serves important functions in flavour systems despite its primary identity as a fragrance ingredient. The compound’s natural occurrence in tea, certain fruits, and aged wines provides precedent for its use in flavouring applications, and regulatory approvals under GRAS status enable incorporation into food and beverage products. In tea beverage flavourings, alpha-ionone can help ketoisophorone better exhibit tea and woody flavor notes. The usage levels in flavours typically remain quite low compared to fragrance applications, as the compound’s potency requires careful dosing to achieve desired effects without creating unbalanced or artificial impressions.
Personal Care and Cosmetic Fragrance
Personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions, and creams, represent substantial volume applications for α-Ionone, though typically at lower concentrations than fine perfumery.
Household and Industrial Fragrances
Household cleaning products constitute a major application segment where α-Ionone contributes to fragrances designed to signal cleanliness and product efficacy. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, surface cleaners, and air fresheners all utilize carefully designed fragrances that communicate product benefits while creating pleasant home environments.
Alpha-Ionone Benefits
Alpha-Ionone delivers a distinctive combination of technical, sensory, and commercial benefits that have established its position as an essential ingredient in the modern fragrance and flavour industry.
Sensory and Olfactory Benefits
The primary value proposition of α-Ionone centers on its distinctive sensory characteristics, which provide perfumers and flavourists with creative tools unavailable through other individual ingredients. The compound delivers a characteristic violet-floral aroma with subtle woody undertones, creating a unique sensory signature that enhances formulation complexity and sophistication.
Technical and Formulation Benefits
Beyond sensory advantages, α-Ionone offers numerous technical benefits that simplify formulation development and improve product performance across diverse application categories. The compound’s chemical stability under typical storage and processing conditions represents a fundamental advantage, as degradation or character drift during product shelf life creates costly quality issues requiring reformulation or product disposal.
Alpha-Ionone in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Alpha-ionone, recognized as safe for use in food and fragrance applications through ingestion or dermal contact, faces fundamentally different safety considerations when proposed for use in products designed for inhalation.
Technical Considerations for E-Liquid Formulation
E-cigarette liquids typically consist of a base mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin combined with nicotine and flavouring compounds designed to create appealing sensory experiences for users. From a purely technical perspective, α-Ionone demonstrates solubility characteristics compatible with standard e-liquid formulations, dissolving readily in the glycol-based carrier systems commonly employed in these products.
The flavour profile that α-Ionone could theoretically contribute to vaping products aligns with the violet-floral and subtly sweet characteristics it provides in conventional flavour applications. Some e-liquid manufacturers have explored complex flavour profiles extending beyond traditional tobacco, menthol, and fruit flavours to include floral, botanical, and dessert-inspired formulations where compounds like alpha-ionone might contribute to overall sensory character.
Regulatory Landscape and Industry Practices
The regulatory framework governing flavouring compound use in vaping products varies substantially across jurisdictions and continues evolving as authorities develop appropriate oversight mechanisms for this relatively recent product category. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration gained regulatory authority over electronic cigarettes and their components through the deeming rule implemented in 2016. This regulatory framework requires manufacturers to demonstrate that new tobacco products, including e-liquids containing specific flavouring compounds, are appropriate for the protection of public health. The premarket tobacco product application process requires substantial scientific evidence supporting safety claims, though the specific evidentiary standards for flavouring compounds remain subject to interpretation and ongoing regulatory development. The European Union implemented the Tobacco Products Directive, establishing requirements for e-cigarette products and liquids, including restrictions on certain ingredients and requirements for toxicological data. Individual member states have adopted varying approaches to flavour restrictions, with some jurisdictions implementing comprehensive bans on flavoured vaping products except tobacco and menthol varieties.
A Floral Fragrance Base Using Alpha-Ionone
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
2-methyl-2-(5-tert-butyl-2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)phenyl)-1,3-dioxolane, 140 parts; benzyl salicylate, 80 parts; alpha-ionone, 190 parts; methyl ionone, 80 parts; iris absolute, 60 parts; cinnamon essential oil, 50 parts; α-amylcinnamaldehyde, 40 parts; eugenol, 5 parts; methyl heptynoate, 10 parts; linalool, 40 parts; benzyl acetate, 25 parts; bergamot oil, 20 parts; heliotropin, 30 parts; p-anisaldehyde, 10 parts; and dipropylene glycol, 220 parts.
In conclusion, alpha-ionone represents an essential tool in the formulation engineer’s ingredient palette, offering distinctive sensory characteristics and favorable technical properties that support diverse applications across flavour and fragrance domains. As a bulk alpha-ionone manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of alpha-ionone at wholesale prices to clients around the world.