This section provides an overview of beta-ionone, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in fragrance, flavour, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to beta-ionone manufacturers, supply chain issues, beta-ionone suppliers, and beta-ionone prices. Sinofi can help you buy beta-ionone at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2595 and CAS 79-77-6.
Table of Contents
What is Beta-Ionone?
Beta-ionone is a terpenoid compound of significant commercial importance in the fragrance, flavour, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Its powerful sensory characteristics, natural occurrence in diverse botanical sources, and versatility across multiple flavour applications ensure its continued prominence in the industry. Beta-ionone features a cyclohexene ring with a methyl-substituted butenone side chain, which accounts for its distinctive chemical reactivity and sensory properties. Its lipophilic nature makes it readily soluble in organic solvents and oils while exhibiting limited water solubility, a characteristic that influences its behavior in various formulation matrices. In accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, beta-ionone is authorized for use as a component in flavorings, fragrances, and food products.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Beta-Ionone has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, ECHACHEM, NIST, WHO, and Food and Chemical Toxicology. It holds Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for use in food applications in the United States and is approved for use in flavours within the European Union under appropriate regulations. The compound appears on the FEMA list (FEMA number 2595) and is recognized by various international flavour regulatory bodies. For natural flavour labeling, the source and production method of beta-ionone become critical considerations. Material derived directly from botanical sources through physical processing methods typically qualifies for natural labeling, whereas synthetically produced material does not, though it remains suitable for artificial or nature-identical flavour designations depending on jurisdictional requirements. The fragrance standard of beta-ionone has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
Beta-ionone occurs naturally in numerous botanical sources, making it a valuable compound for natural flavour development. It is found in appreciable concentrations in violets, roses, osmanthus flowers, boronia, and various fruits, including raspberries, passion fruit, and certain grape varieties. The compound is also present in black tea, contributing to its characteristic aroma profile. Additionally, beta-ionone forms as a degradation product of beta-carotene, which explains its presence in many carotenoid-rich foods and beverages. This natural occurrence across diverse botanical sources provides multiple avenues for natural sourcing and labeling opportunities in flavour formulation.
Sensory Characteristics and Flavour Profile
The sensory profile of beta-ionone is exceptionally distinctive, characterized by a powerful violet-like aroma with woody, floral, and slightly fruity undertones. The compound exhibits remarkable potency, with odor detection thresholds in the parts-per-billion range in water and even lower thresholds in air. This extreme potency necessitates careful dosing during formulation work. The olfactory profile of beta-ionone is complex and multifaceted, contributing not only violet notes but also subtle raspberry, orris, and cedar nuances depending on concentration and the surrounding matrix. Interestingly, beta-ionone is subject to olfactory fatigue, whereby prolonged exposure can temporarily diminish one’s ability to perceive its aroma, a phenomenon that formulation engineers must consider during sensory evaluation protocols.
CAS No.: 79-77-6
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of beta-ionone is 79-77-6
CAS Name: β-Ionone
Molecular Formula: C13H20O
Molecular Mass: 192.30
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 2595
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 266.00 to 269.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, propylene glycol, most fixed oils; Insoluble in glycerol and water.
Other Names:
♦ (3E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one
♦ trans-β-Ionone
♦β-Ionone
♦ (E)-β-Ionone
♦ Ionone beta
♦ trans-β-Lonone
♦ (E)-4-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one
Beta-Ionone Odor
Odor Strength: Medium
Substantivity: > 48 hours at 100.00%.
Odor Description: At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol, violet floral scent, but the woody note is more prominent.
FEMA Number 2595
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of beta-ionone is 2595.
Bulk Beta-Ionone Manufacturers
The bulk production of beta-ionone is concentrated among multinational corporations specializing in aroma chemicals and terpene derivatives. Top beta-ionone manufacturers like Firmenich, Takasago, IFF, and BASF maintain significant market presence despite higher production costs, differentiating themselves through quality assurance, technical support, and established relationships with downstream clients. Major production capacity exists in China, which has emerged as the dominant supplier of synthetic beta-ionone to global markets. Chinese beta-ionone manufacturers benefit from established citrus processing industries that provide raw materials for terpene chemistry, along with cost advantages in production and favorable economies of scale. These facilities typically operate at production volumes ranging from hundreds to thousands of metric tons annually, serving both domestic and export markets.
Sinofi is a bulk beta-ionone manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of β-Ionone. We supply high-quality beta-ionone at bulk prices and serve fragrance, flavour, food, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Beta-Ionone
The manufacture of beta-ionone exemplifies the integration of organic synthesis, catalysis, and chemical engineering principles. While acid-catalyzed cyclization of pseudoionone remains the dominant industrial process, ongoing research continues to refine catalyst systems and explore sustainable alternatives.
Acid-Catalyzed Cyclization of Pseudoionone
The predominant industrial method for beta-ionone synthesis involves a two-step process beginning with citral, a naturally occurring aldehyde obtainable from lemongrass oil or synthesized from isoprene derivatives. In the first stage, citral undergoes an aldol condensation reaction with acetone in the presence of a base catalyst, typically sodium hydroxide or barium hydroxide. The second stage involves the acid-catalyzed cyclization of pseudoionone to form beta-ionone. This ring-closure reaction employs acidic catalysts such as phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or boron trifluoride etherate. The choice of acid and reaction conditions profoundly influences the isomer distribution.
Alternative Synthetic Approaches
Several alternative routes have been developed to address limitations of the classical synthesis. One approach employs heterogeneous acid catalysts, such as acidic zeolites or sulfated metal oxides, which offer advantages in catalyst recovery and reduced waste generation. These solid acid catalysts facilitate cleaner reactions and can be regenerated for multiple production cycles. Another methodology utilizes Lewis acid catalysts, particularly zinc chloride or aluminum chloride, dissolved in ionic liquids. This approach can enhance reaction selectivity and reduce environmental impact compared to traditional mineral acid systems.
Biotechnological routes have also emerged, wherein engineered microorganisms or isolated enzymes convert terpene precursors into ionones. While these bioprocesses currently operate at smaller scales, they represent a sustainable alternative aligned with green chemistry principles.
Bulk Beta-Ionone Suppliers
The bulk beta-ionone supply encompasses several distinct categories of suppliers. Top beta-ionone suppliers like Firmenich, Takasago, IFF, and BASF offer premium-grade products with comprehensive regulatory documentation, particularly strong for REACH compliance and natural/organic certifications. China is currently the largest producer of beta-ionone globally, offering competitive pricing and high production capacity. Chinese beta-ionone suppliers provide the most cost-effective options with regulatory compliance documentation.
Sinofi is a leading bulk supplier of beta-ionone (β-ionone) in China. We operate a 1,200-square-meter warehouse dedicated to storing our high-quality product. We offer various grades of β-ionone at competitive wholesale prices, catering to end-users in the fragrance, flavor, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Supply Chain of Beta-Ionone
The beta-ionone supply chain represents a complex network connecting raw material sources, beta-ionone manufacturing, specialized distribution infrastructure, and diverse end-use applications across the fragrance, flavour, and pharmaceutical industries.
Supply Chain Structure
The beta-ionone supply chain begins with raw material procurement, primarily involving petrochemical derivatives and natural sources such as citral and acetone. Major beta-ionone manufacturers operate specialized production facilities that synthesize beta-ionone through established chemical processes. These producers typically include large specialty chemical companies and dedicated fragrance ingredient manufacturers. The intermediate distribution layer comprises fragrance houses and flavour companies that purchase beta-ionone in bulk quantities. These businesses formulate proprietary blends incorporating beta-ionone alongside other aromatic compounds, creating customized solutions for their clients. This segment acts as both a customer and a value-added intermediary within the supply chain. Downstream, the supply chain extends to diverse end-use industries. The fragrance sector represents the primary demand driver, with perfume manufacturers and personal care product companies incorporating beta-ionone into their formulations. The food and beverage industry constitutes another significant market segment, utilizing beta-ionone as a flavouring agent in various products. Additionally, household products, including cleaning agents and air fresheners, represent growing application areas.
Wholesale and Buy Beta-Ionone in Bulk
Effective wholesale procurement of beta-ionone demands a strategic approach that extends beyond simple price comparison. Success requires careful supplier evaluation, sophisticated negotiation, rigorous quality management, and proactive supply chain planning. By developing deep expertise in these areas, beta-ionone buyers can secure reliable supplies of this essential ingredient while optimizing costs. The investment in building strong supplier relationships and robust procurement processes yields benefits that compound over time, strengthening competitive position in markets.
Understanding Bulk Purchasing Advantages
Procuring beta-ionone in bulk quantities offers substantial advantages that extend beyond simple unit cost reduction. The economies of scale achieved through wholesale purchasing typically yield savings ranging from twenty to forty percent compared to smaller order quantities. These savings become particularly significant given that beta-ionone serves as a base note in many fragrance compositions and appears across multiple product lines within a manufacturing operation. Furthermore, bulk purchasing establishes supply security in a market characterized by periodic volatility.
Supplier Identification and Qualification
The selection of appropriate suppliers represents perhaps the most critical decision in the wholesale procurement process. Quality variations in beta-ionone can profoundly affect end product performance, making supplier vetting an essential responsibility. Reputable suppliers should provide comprehensive certificates of analysis demonstrating purity levels, typically exceeding 95 percent for standard applications and reaching 98 percent or higher for premium applications such as fine fragrances.
As a bulk beta-ionone manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in fragrance, flavour, food, and pharmaceutical industries. We also supply β-Ionone to small customers. Normally, they want to buy beta-ionone in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell beta-ionone at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Beta-Ionone Prices (USD/Kg)
The beta-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 Beta-Ionone Prices (GC Content >=97%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 52 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 75 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 35% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Current Price Levels and Market Ranges
Beta-ionone prices span a 30-fold range from $30/kg for bulk Chinese synthetic to over $800/kg for natural isolates, making grade selection and sourcing strategy the defining factors in procurement economics. The market’s pricing architecture reflects three intersecting variables: purity grade, production method (synthetic versus natural), and geographic origin.
Fragrance and cosmetic-grade beta-ionone commands premiums reflecting higher purity standards. Chinese suppliers offer 97-100% purity beta-ionone at $50-75/kg for their fragrance and cosmetic clients. Food-grade beta-ionone certified to FCC standards carries significant premiums. Natural beta-ionone extracted from sources like Litsea cubeba commands the highest prices. European natural beta-ionone prices can reach 600-800 USD per kg. This price differential drives synthetic dominance in most applications, with natural variants reserved for premium fragrance houses and clean-label products.
Please note that the prices quoted above for beta-ionone do not include express shipping fees. This is because the cost of expedited shipping for samples can often exceed the value of the sample itself. However, our bulk wholesale prices are significantly more economical compared to small-quantity orders. We would be happy to provide a comprehensive quote based on your specific volume requirements.
Beta-Ionone Specification
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Violet floral scent, but the woody note is more prominent. |
| Purity (GC) | >=97% |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.518 – 1.522 |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 0.940 – 0.945 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Beta-Ionone Uses
Beta-ionone represents a significant organic compound in modern industrial applications, particularly within the fragrance, flavour, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Fragrance Industry Applications
The perfumery sector represents the primary commercial application for beta-ionone. The compound delivers a powdery, woody-floral note reminiscent of violets and orris root, making it an essential ingredient in numerous fine fragrances and personal care products. Perfumers value β-ionone for its ability to add depth and complexity to floral compositions while providing excellent fixative properties that help extend fragrance longevity.
Beyond fine perfumery, manufacturers incorporate β-ionone into a wide range of scented consumer products, including soaps, detergents, shampoos, and cosmetics. Its stability and compatibility with other fragrance materials make it particularly suitable for these applications, where consistent performance across varying pH levels and temperatures is essential.
Flavour Enhancement
The food and beverage industry utilizes beta-ionone as a flavouring agent to impart fruity and floral notes to various products. Its natural occurrence in raspberries and other fruits makes it particularly appropriate for enhancing berry flavours in processed foods, beverages, and confections. Regulatory agencies generally recognize β-ionone as safe for consumption when used within established guidelines, facilitating its widespread adoption in food applications.
Pharmaceutical and Research Applications
Recent scientific research has explored beta-ionone’s potential pharmaceutical properties. Studies have investigated its possible role in olfactory system function and its effects on cellular processes. Some research suggests that β-ionone may influence certain biological pathways, though these applications remain primarily in the investigational stage rather than established commercial use.
The compound also serves as a valuable intermediate in chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of vitamin A and related carotenoid compounds. This synthetic utility extends β-ionone’s importance beyond its direct applications in fragrance and flavour.
Beta-Ionone Benefits
Beta-ionone is a naturally occurring organic compound that has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its diverse applications and potential health benefits.
Sensory Benefits
The most immediately recognizable benefit of beta-ionone lies in its powerful aromatic properties. With an exceptionally low odor threshold, β-ionone can be detected by the human nose at remarkably minute concentrations, making it a valuable ingredient in the perfume and cosmetics industries. Its sweet, floral, woody scent evokes the essence of violets and has been incorporated into countless fragrances, personal care products, and household items.
Potential Health Benefits
Recent scientific research has begun to illuminate several promising health-related benefits associated with β-ionone exposure and consumption. Studies have suggested that this compound may possess neuroprotective properties, potentially supporting cognitive function and brain health. Some research indicates that beta-ionone may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neural tissues, mechanisms that are relevant to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, beta-ionone has demonstrated potential anticancer properties in laboratory studies.
Beta-Ionone in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Beta-ionone represents a significant compound in the flavour chemistry of e-cigarettes and vaping products. This naturally occurring terpene has gained substantial attention within the vaping industry due to its distinctive aromatic properties and widespread application in consumer products.
Beta-Ionone in E-Liquid Formulations
Within the electronic cigarette industry, beta-ionone serves as a flavouring agent in e-liquid formulations, particularly in products marketed with fruit or floral flavour profiles. E-liquids typically consist of a base mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, nicotine (in varying concentrations or absent), and flavouring compounds such as beta-ionone. The compound’s volatility and thermal properties make it suitable for use in vaping applications, as it can be effectively aerosolized during the heating process.
Manufacturers incorporate beta-ionone into e-liquid formulations to achieve specific sensory characteristics, often blending it with other flavour compounds to create complex taste profiles. The concentration of beta-ionone in e-liquids varies considerably depending on the desired flavour intensity and the presence of other flavouring agents. Some products may contain the compound as a primary flavour note, while others use it as a supporting element to enhance overall flavour complexity.
Regulatory Landscape and Industry Standards
The regulatory environment surrounding e-liquids and their constituent ingredients continues to evolve across different jurisdictions. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration maintains authority over electronic nicotine delivery systems through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Manufacturers are required to submit premarket tobacco product applications for their products, which must include comprehensive information about ingredients, including flavouring compounds like beta-ionone. European Union regulations, implemented through the Tobacco Products Directive, establish requirements for e-liquid composition and labeling, including restrictions on certain ingredients and notification requirements for products containing flavouring substances.
A Flavouring with Chestnut Aroma for Tea Beverages.
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Furanone 0.7 parts, Linalool 0.02 parts, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine 0.002 parts, Geraniol 0.06 parts, Beta-ionone 0.04 parts, Geranylacetone 0.02 parts, 2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine 0.0005 parts, Dihydrocoumarin 0.07 parts, Phenylacetaldehyde 0.08 parts, Furfural 0.01 parts, Benzyl alcohol 0.02 parts, Isophorone 0.02 parts, 2-Acetylthiazole 0.03 parts, and food-grade propylene glycol 0.9275 parts.
In conclusion, beta-ionone has diverse applications across fragrance, flavour, food, and pharmaceutical industries. As a bulk beta-ionone manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of beta-ionone at wholesale prices to clients around the world.