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Betahydrane

Q: Is Betahydrane natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Fully synthetic. Produced via catalytic hydrogenation of beta-ionone. The selective reduction of the side chain double bond converts sharp violet character to soft woody warmth..

AROMA CHEMICALS / fresh · aquatic

Betahydrane

Category	AROMA CHEMICALS
Subcategory	fresh · aquatic
Origin
Volatility	Top Note
Botanical	N/A — synthetic molecule
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Odor Strength	High
Producing Countries	Switzerland (a major aroma-chemical supplier — captive molecule)
Pyramid	Top

A woody-floral ionone derivative. Gentler than beta-ionone, more amber than violet -- orris territory.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Woody-floral with amber undertones. Softer and warmer than beta-ionone, which reads as sharp metallic violet. The violet note is still there but subdued -- a memory rather than a statement. Powdery and slightly fruity, with the buttery quality characteristic of orris-type materials. More rounded than sharp.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Soft woody-violet, powdery warmth

After a few hours

Amber-orris depth, gentle diffusion

After a few days

Persistent woody-powdery trace

The Full Story

Betahydrane is related to the dihydroionone family -- hydrogenated derivatives of ionone that trade the sharp, metallic violet character of their parent molecules for softer, warmer woody-floral profiles. The partial hydrogenation of beta-ionone's side chain transforms its piercing violet sharpness into a gentler, more rounded woody-amber quality.

The dihydro-beta-ionone family (CAS 17283-81-7 being the principal member) has long been used in orris recreations, where the powdery, woody-floral character of natural iris root needs to be approximated synthetically. Betahydrane contributes to this same territory: woody, slightly floral, with amber and fruity qualities.

The molecule is exceptionally adaptable, appearing in leather, rose, red fru it, woody, and lily-of-the-valley compositions. Its ability to enhance diffusion makes it valuable across fragrance families.

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Did You Know?

Did you know?

The transformation from beta-ionone to its dihydro derivative is one of perfumery's neatest demonstrations of structure-activity relationships: a single chemical change (hydrogenation of one double bond) converts a sharp, metallic violet into a soft, powdery orris.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Fully synthetic. Produced via catalytic hydrogenation of beta-ionone. The selective reduction of the side chain double bond converts sharp violet character to soft woody warmth.

Molecular Formula	Undisclosed
CAS Number	N/A — proprietary molecule (unknown exact structure)
Botanical Name	N/A — synthetic molecule
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	Betahydrane ( captive)
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	High
Lasting Power	24 hours
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid

In Perfumery

Betahydrane functions as a modifier and diffusion enhancer across multiple fragrance families. Key ingredient in orris recreations, ambergris accords, and violet-woody compositions. Enhances diffusion and adds woody-amber depth to floral compositions. Works in leather, rose, red fruit, and muguet accords.