Isoraldeine 95®

Synthesis route :

Isoraldeine 95® is composed of a predominantly methylionone isomer, called alpha-Isomethyl Ionone. The synthesis of methylionones is made from Citral and methyl ethyl ketone (instead of acetone for ionones). This synthesis step gives rise to two molecules called n-methyl pseudoionone and Isomethyl pseudoionone, both having cis and trans diastereoisomers. The ratio of one molecule relative to the other is favoured by the choice of the reaction catalyst: the stronger the catalyst base, the more favoured will Isomethyl pseudoionone be. For the cyclization step of Pseudoionone, as for Alpha-Ionone, the use of concentrated phosphoric acid favours alpha-Isomethylionone rather than the beta or gamma isomer. In general, each isomethyl ionone synthesis results in the formation of isomers of the desired molecule. In the case of alpha-Isomethylionone, its purity can reach 90% maximum (comparision with Isoraldeine 70®).

Synthesis precursor :

Isoraldeine 95® is not a precursor to the synthesis of another compound of olfactory interest.

Isomerism :

As for conventional Ionones, the synthesis of alpha-Isomethylionone gives rise to other isomers of this molecule. beta-Isomethylionone has a more ambergris, orris and less fruity smell. Alpha-Irone and Cashmaeran are constitutional isomers of Isoraldeine®. Nevertheless, Cashmeran® has a distant smell, while Irone is closer to its violet aspect.