IRONE

Irone names a family of scent molecules closely associated with the aroma of orris. The impression can be powdery and floral, recalling iris and violet, with a soft woody side. Different forms matter: dsm-firmenich describes alpha-irone as more floral and less earthy than beta-irone. Irone should therefore not be treated as a single, uniform version of the complete smell of iris root.

Alpha, beta and gamma irones occur among the fragrant constituents of orris extracts. Irone materials are also produced synthetically, so their use does not require an extract from rhizomes stored for years. Alpha-irone can support iris, violet and some fruit accords, helping a perfumer develop a particular floral aspect. The form selected, its amount and the surrounding materials determine the effect; a note named irone does not identify one supplier’s product or certify natural orris content.