FlavScents AInsights Entry for (1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine (CAS: 85985-30-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine
- IUPAC Name: 1-(1-ethoxyethyl)pyrazine
- CAS Number: 85985-30-4
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C8H12N2O
- Molecular Weight: 152.19 g/mol
(1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is a single chemical compound characterized by its pyrazine ring, which is known for contributing to nutty, roasted, and earthy aromas. The ethoxyethyl group attached to the pyrazine ring can influence its volatility and odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is noted for its distinct odor profile, which includes descriptors such as nutty, roasted, and earthy. It is often used to impart a warm, savory character to flavor compositions. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, with a diffusion that allows it to blend well with other compounds, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used as an impact note in flavor systems.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. It can be formed through synthetic pathways involving the reaction of pyrazine derivatives with ethoxyethyl groups. Its synthetic nature means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is used in various flavor categories, including savory, nutty, and roasted profiles. It serves as an impact note, providing depth and authenticity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor matrix. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions, though care should be taken to avoid excessive heat, which may degrade its aromatic properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, (1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is used to add a warm, earthy note to compositions. It is suitable for use in fragrance families such as woody, oriental, and gourmand. Its role is often as a modifier or trace realism enhancer. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.01% to 0.1% in the final product, contributing primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring principles.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Specific regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries are not clearly documented; general safety and usage guidelines apply.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; usage should adhere to general safety standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, specific ADI, TTC, or MSDI values are not available; formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry-typical ranges to maintain safety. Dermal exposure considerations for fragrance use include potential irritation or sensitization, though specific IFRA guidelines are not available. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart a warm, nutty character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and roasted notes, enhancing the overall depth of a composition. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its use carefully to achieve the intended sensory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (1-ethoxyethyl) pyrazine is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical usage levels. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-04-03 15:52:56 GMT (p2)