MOLECULE

alpha-Ionol

α-Ionol or 4,7-megastigmadien-9-ol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sesquiterpenoids. Sesquiterpenoids are terpenes that contain 15 carbon atoms and are comprised of three isoprene units. The biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes is known to occur mainly through the mevalonic acid pathway (MVA), in the cytosol. However, recent studies have found evidence of pathway crosstalk with the methyl-eritritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastid (PMID: 19932496, 17710406). Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic sesquiterpenes. FPP undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield a diverse number of cyclic arrangements. α-Ionol is a colorless liquid with a floral, woody odor and has a sweet, berry taste. It is used as a flavoring ingredient and as a food additive [EAFUS]. α-Ionol has been found in grapes and raspberries. α-Ionol has been detected as a volatile component in cannabis plant samples and essential oils (PMID: 6991645; PMID: 26657499).