alpha-Irone

Say itAL-fuh-EYE-rohn

Powerful orris-violet with sweet raspberry, woody and seedy nuances.

What it is: A molecule made in a lab.
Where it comes from: natural irones occur only in orris root
When you smell it: Dry-down: hours later.
What perfumers do with it: Synthetic heart of iris accords; gives diffusion, tenacity and a true orris note far cheaper than absolute.
Worth knowing: Orris root is the only plant source of natural irones, which is why real orris is so costly.
Also called: Irone alpha; 6-methyl-alpha-ionone

Not on the label of any of the 232 perfumes read so far.

Sources