FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Ethyl Pyridine (CAS: 100-71-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Ethyl Pyridine
• IUPAC Name: 2-Ethylpyridine
• CAS Number: 100-71-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C7H9N
• Molecular Weight: 107.15 g/mol

2-Ethyl pyridine is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with a pyridine ring substituted by an ethyl group at the second position. This structural modification influences its odor characteristics, contributing to its utility in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Ethyl pyridine is characterized by a pungent, pyridine-like odor with nuances of tobacco and earthy notes. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with a sharp, penetrating quality. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinctive character that can enhance the complexity of a fragrance or flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Ethyl pyridine is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the pyrolysis of nicotine and other alkaloids, which are present in tobacco. It may also be produced during the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking of food, contributing to the flavor profile of roasted and cooked products. Its presence in natural products is limited, affecting its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Ethyl pyridine is used in flavor formulations to impart a smoky, tobacco-like note, often in savory applications such as meat analogs, sauces, and roasted products. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the authenticity and depth of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Its stability under heat and varying pH conditions makes it a versatile component in flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-ethyl pyridine is utilized within the tobacco and leather fragrance families, contributing a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma. It acts as a modifier or impact note, often used in trace amounts to add realism and complexity to fragrance compositions. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance, with typical concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% in the final product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors and fragrances is subject to general safety and regulatory guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage must comply with general safety standards.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; general safety compliance required.
• Latin America: Regulatory status varies; adherence to local safety and usage guidelines is necessary.

Explicit approvals for 2-ethyl pyridine are limited, and its use is generally governed by harmonized safety assumptions and industry practices.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; usage in flavors should be guided by industry-typical practices and safety assessments.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

The risk profile of 2-ethyl pyridine may differ between food and fragrance applications, with inhalation and dermal exposure being more relevant in fragrance contexts.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Ethyl pyridine is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive smoky, tobacco-like character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other smoky or roasted notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Formulators should be cautious of its potent odor, which can easily dominate a composition if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in applications where a subtle smoky nuance is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-ethyl pyridine is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include detailed exposure limits and comprehensive regulatory listings.

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 2026-06-03 07:15:29 GMT (p2)