FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methoxy-3-Methyl Pyrazine (CAS: 2847-30-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methoxy-3-Methyl Pyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxy-3-methylpyrazine
• CAS Number: 2847-30-5
• FEMA Number: 3249
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.011
• Molecular Formula: C6H8N2O
• Molecular Weight: 124.14 g/mol

2-Methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is a heterocyclic aromatic compound characterized by a pyrazine ring with a methoxy group and a methyl group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its distinct earthy and green odor profile, which is significant in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is known for its potent earthy, green, and bell pepper-like aroma. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive character with a low odor threshold, making it an impactful note even at low concentrations. This compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations to impart a realistic green or earthy character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound naturally occurs in various plants, including bell peppers, peas, and asparagus. It is formed through enzymatic processes and is a key contributor to the characteristic aroma of these vegetables. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is used in flavor formulations for its ability to impart a green, earthy note. It is commonly found in vegetable, herb, and savory flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 2-methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is used to add a fresh, green, and earthy note. It is often employed in fine fragrances, personal care products, and household items. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.05% in the final product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.011.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is considered safe at typical use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, but sensitization data is limited. Inhalation exposure is generally safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart a realistic green note. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and green notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its low odor threshold and potential for rapid diffusion.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-methoxy-3-methyl pyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, some toxicological data, particularly regarding sensitization, is less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices.

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 2026-05-28 19:04:48 GMT (p2)