Ionones
Ionones are an important group of chemicals used in perfumery and have a quite distinctive character. They fall into the larger group of Ketones (C=O). The most familiar and identifiable use of Ionones is in classic Violet Perfumes (such as April Violets, Yardley) where they form the main notes. You will probably detect their use as important notes in Paris, YSL and Jardins de Bagetelle, Guerlain. They find extensive use as modifiers in a wide range of fragrances particularly floral types. They add freshness and aid general radiance and have a woody character too that also makes them important modifiers to give lift to woody notes.
Ionones find wide use in flavors particularly fruit types such as strawberry and raspberry.
Ionones
alpha-Ionone violet, fresh woody |
beta-Ionone fruity (berry) woody |
Methyl Ionone
There are a number of isomers (Same basic molecule in slightly different arrangements).
Essentially the Methyl Ionones have a more woody odor than the Ionones. They act as excellent blenders in perfumes. A perfume that Methyl Ionones can be detected easily in is Tresor, Lancome.
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Damascone (isomer of ionone)
Other important materials closely related to this group are the Damascones. Named after Damask Rose of which they are a small but important component. They are expensive materials but traces add diffusion. Note that care must be taken as they are quite irritant and their use is restricted under IFRA guidelines.
alpha-Damascone has a sweet rosy fruity, diffusive odor and beta-Damascone is fruity (berry-like) and diffusive.
Irones
Very expensive items are the Irones (isomers of Methyl Ionone). Softer odors, very natural Orris Concrete-like, of which they are an important component.
