FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2,3-Dimethyl Pyrazine (CAS: 5910-89-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine
• CAS Number: 5910-89-4
• FEMA Number: 3271
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.038
• Molecular Formula: C6H8N2
• Molecular Weight: 108.14 g/mol

2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound characterized by a pyrazine ring substituted with two methyl groups at the 2 and 3 positions. This structural configuration contributes to its distinctive nutty and roasted aroma, which is significant in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine is known for its potent nutty, roasted, and cocoa-like aroma, often described as warm and earthy. It is a high-impact compound with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. This compound is typically used as an impact note to impart roasted and nutty characteristics in flavor formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine naturally occurs in various roasted foods, including coffee, cocoa, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the roasting process. This compound's presence in natural foods allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine is extensively used in flavor formulations to enhance nutty, roasted, and cocoa notes. It is commonly found in chocolate, coffee, and nut-flavored products. 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 processing conditions, including heat and pH variations, making it versatile for various food systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine is utilized to add depth and warmth to compositions, often in gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a trace realism note, enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 0.1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes, providing a warm, nutty character.

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 No. 07.038.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally recognized in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with some regional variations.

Regulatory frameworks generally approve 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine for use in both flavors and fragrances, with specific concentration limits and usage guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2,3-Dimethyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart authentic roasted and nutty notes, enhancing the sensory profile of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and Maillard reaction products. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend, and it is often under-utilized in non-traditional applications like savory flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the compound's safety and efficacy are well-supported by existing literature.

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 2026-06-04 17:13:08 GMT (p2)