α-Irone has a characteristic orris and violet-like odor. The commercially prepared product corresponds generally to the α-isomer.
Yellowish liquid; Soluble in alcohol. A mixture of three isomers (α-, βand γ-irone).
α- Irone has a rich, floral and natural character and constitutes an important element in orris and violet compositions as
well as being useful when an exotic nuance is required. α-Irone is extremely diffusive, and it gives volume and tenacity to compositions. In combination with α-irisone (1:20, respectively) gives a natural orris effect.
Reported found in orris root, raspberry and flowers of Pittosporum sp
Perfumery, violet odor. The α isomer is also
used as a flavoring agent.
By intramolecular thermal H-ene reaction of an allysilane.
ChEBI: A methyl ketone that is alpha-ionone in which a hydrogen at position 5 of the cyclohex-2-en-1-yl ring is substituted by a methyl group.
Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: woody, fruity, raspberry, orris, and berry with seedy nuances.
Irone is a bioactive compound that is produced by an endophytic fungus in the rhizomes of Iris germanica.
If large amounts are available, then fractionate through a Podbielniak column (p 10) or an efficient spinning band column, but small amounts are distilled using a Kügelrohr apparatus. The 4-phenylsemicarbazone has m 174-175o (165-165.5o). [IR: Seidel & Ruzicka Helv Chim Acta 35 1826 1952, Naves Helv Chim Acta 31 1280 1948, Lecomte & Naves J Chim Phys 53 462 1956, Beilstein 7 IV 378.]
