FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Ethyl Pyrazine (CAS: 13925-00-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Ethyl pyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2-Ethylpyrazine
• CAS Number: 13925-00-3
• FEMA Number: 3158
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C6H8N2
• Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Ethyl pyrazine is characterized by a pyrazine ring, which is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. The ethyl group at the 2-position contributes to its distinct nutty and roasted aroma, making it significant in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Ethyl pyrazine is known for its potent nutty, roasted, and earthy aroma, often described as reminiscent of roasted peanuts or popcorn. It has a strong odor intensity and is used as an impact note in flavor formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart significant sensory effects even at minimal concentrations. It is typically used to enhance the realism of roasted and nutty profiles in various food products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Ethyl pyrazine naturally occurs in a variety of roasted foods, including coffee, cocoa, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex series of chemical reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars during the roasting process. This compound is often used to achieve a "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in naturally roasted items.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

2-Ethyl pyrazine is extensively used in flavor formulations to impart roasted, nutty, and earthy notes. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as nut, coffee, cocoa, and savory applications. The typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. It is stable under typical food processing conditions, including heat and pH variations, but may oxidize over time if not stored properly.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 2-ethyl pyrazine is used to add depth and complexity to compositions, particularly in gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a trace realism note, enhancing the authenticity of nutty and roasted accords. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect. It contributes primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific usage levels defined by local regulations.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions based on international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-ethyl pyrazine is considered safe within the established FEMA GRAS limits, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported under typical use conditions. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Ethyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart authentic roasted and nutty notes, making it a staple in flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and Maillard reaction products, enhancing the overall complexity of the profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add depth and richness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-ethyl pyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in raw material sources and processing methods.

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 2026-04-09 08:22:55 GMT (p2)