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The character of saffron is one of those immensely frustrating aromas that are very attractive in isolation, but something of a challenge in compositions. 2,6,6-trimethyl cyclohex-2-ene-1,4-dione (FEMA# 3421, CAS# 1125-21-9) skillfully combines a dominant damson note with a delightful undercurrent of saffron. Now the saffron note is much easier to use to good effect. This chemical, which is often referred to as keto iso-phorone, is found very widely indeed in nature and invariably makes a positive contribution.