Frequently with distinguishing Greek letter. Each of a number of fragrant unsaturated isomeric ketones which are products of the breakdown of carotenoids and occur naturally in some essential oils; specifically (more fully β-ionone) a compound that arises as a product of ψ-ionone in the synthesis of vitamin A.
In full ψ-ionone. An acyclic compound isomeric with α- and β-ionone which can be cyclized to form those compounds and is used in the synthesis of vitamin A.