AInsights Entry for 2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine (CAS: 67952-65-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine
- IUPAC Name: 2-(Methylthio)-3,5-dimethylpyrazine
- CAS Number: 67952-65-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H10N2S
- Molecular Weight: 154.23 g/mol
2-Methyl thio-3,5 or 6-methyl pyrazine is a heterocyclic compound characterized by a pyrazine ring substituted with methyl and methylthio groups. The presence of sulfur in the methylthio group contributes significantly to its odor profile, imparting a savory, roasted, and nutty aroma, which is highly valued in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-Methyl thio-3,5 or 6-methyl pyrazine is known for its potent odor, described as roasted, nutty, and meaty, with a sulfurous undertone. It is often used to impart a savory character to flavor compositions. The compound has a low odor threshold, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to savory flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This reaction is responsible for the development of complex flavors in cooked foods, such as roasted meats and coffee. Its formation through such pathways makes it relevant for "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2-Methyl thio-3,5 or 6-methyl pyrazine is primarily used in savory flavor applications, including meat, roasted, and nutty profiles. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade at high temperatures or extreme pH levels.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, this compound is used to add a trace realism or modifier note, particularly in gourmand and savory-themed fragrances. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, as its use is often in trace amounts to avoid overpowering the fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavoring regulations is advised.
- Latin America: No specific data; adherence to regional flavoring standards is recommended.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; use should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls typically applied in food contexts.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2-Methyl thio-3,5 or 6-methyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart a rich, savory character to flavor compositions. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds to enhance complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent odor, as overuse can lead to an overpowering or unpleasant profile. It is often under-used in applications where a subtle savory note is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 2-methyl thio-3,5 or 6-methyl pyrazine is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and formation pathways. 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
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 2026-07-09 22:18:23 GMT (p2)