2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine (IBMP)

Olfactory family

Primary: Green

Secondary: Vegetal · Earthy · Spicy

Olfactory profile

Unmistakable and immediate: green bell pepper and pea pod, with a raw, earthy vegetal bite and a peppery edge. There is no development to speak of — the material is a single sharp statement, and its interest lies entirely in its power. The odour threshold is among the lowest of any material used in perfumery, measured in parts per billion, which means it is worked exclusively from dilution and its presence in a formula is felt as tension rather than heard as a note.

Facets

GreenPepperPea podEarthyGalbanumVegetal

Character

Extremely intense and highly diffusive. A trace material — typically dosed at 0.1% dilution or weaker.

Nature of the material

IBMP is the pyrazine responsible for the green-pepper character in bell peppers and in certain wine varieties. The material supplied here is produced by synthesis.

Origin

Trade designation: 2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine (IBMP)

Documented origin: Spain — country of manufacture

Manufacturer: Ventós.

Production method

Synthesis. Assay stated by the manufacturer at >99%.

Specifications

Documentation available

Use in perfumery

Position: Top note · trace modifier

Used at trace level in green accords, galbanum reconstructions, pepper effects and tomato-leaf or pea-pod facets. Prepare a 0.1% dilution as a working stock; dosing the neat material is not practical and a single drop is enough to contaminate a workspace and everything weighed in it afterwards.

Effect in composition

Adds contrast and a sharp green tension. Cuts through sweetness, gives a floral top a vegetal edge, and reinforces the impression of naturalness in a green accord that would otherwise read synthetic.

Blends well with

Olfactory affinities — not a statement of shared sourcing.

• Blackcurrant Bud Absolute — layered green sharpness
• Rose Otto — Bulgarian — green-rose structures
• Oakmoss INCO 20 — dry green chypre
• Jasmine Sambac Absolute — green white-floral
• Iris Resinoid Extra — earthy-rooty green

Perfumer’s perspective

One of the most cost-efficient materials in this catalogue in practice: a gram, properly diluted, will outlast most formulation projects. Worth considering whenever a green accord reads flat or a formula needs an edge. The main risk is not olfactory but practical — treat it as a contaminant and keep dedicated glassware for it.

Availability and ordering

Status: Available.

Sizes from 1 g to 100 g can be ordered directly; the 1 g size serves as an evaluation sample and is sufficient for years of formulation work at this material’s dosage. Larger quantities and the complete lot are available on enquiry — use Request a quote or write to info@ambreroyale.de.