Material Safety Data Sheet: 2-,5- or 6-Methoxy-3-Methylpyrazine

1. Identification

Product Name: 2-,5- or 6-Methoxy-3-Methylpyrazine
Chemical Formula: C6H8N2O
CAS Number: Varies by isomer, typically 10409-56-2
Product Description: Pale yellow to amber liquid, organoleptic properties resemble earthy, green, or nutty scents depending on the isomer
Intended Use: Ingredient in flavor and fragrance manufacturing, analytical chemistry, specialty chemical synthesis
Manufacturer/Supplier: Name and address specified by supplier, emergency contact through local chemical safety office

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute Toxicity Oral (Category 4), Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may be harmful if swallowed, flammable liquid and vapor
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, wash hands thoroughly after handling, keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces—no smoking
Potential Health Effects: Irritating to eyes and mucous membranes, repeated exposure may dry skin, inhalation of vapor causes headaches, nausea or dizziness

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Methoxy-methylpyrazine mixture
Common Synonyms: Methoxymethylpyrazine, Methylpyrazine ether
Concentration: ≥98% (w/w), balance is trace impurities and residual solvents
CAS Number(s): Mixture includes constituents identified as 10409-56-2, 25843-12-9, 25773-40-4
Impurities: Pyrazine homologs <1%, water <0.5%, other organics <0.5%

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, consult medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash area gently with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical help if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with lukewarm water for several minutes, hold eyelids apart, do not rub, get prompt medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek immediate medical attention, avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Burning sensation, itching, coughing, respiratory discomfort, abdominal pain, dizziness

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Unsuitable Media: Straight water streams spread flammable liquid
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, combustion releases nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, dense toxic smoke
Protective Equipment: Full face mask, insulated gloves, self-contained breathing apparatus required for fire responders
Special Procedures: Cooled containers with water spray to prevent rupture, evacuate area, fight fire from a safe distance, keep unused containers cool

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate leak/spill area, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes, use full PPE
Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, chemical-resistant shoes, respirator if vapor levels are high
Containment Methods: Stop leak if it can be done safely, soak up liquid with inert absorbent (vermiculite, sand), collect in waste drum
Clean-up Procedures: Use non-sparking tools, flush residues with water, dispose waste safely in accordance with section 13
Environmental Procedures: Prevent runoff to soil, drains, and surface waters; notify authorities in case of major spillage

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Guidelines: Keep containers tightly sealed, use in a chemical fume hood, avoid static discharge, ground all equipment
Storage Conditions: Cool, ventilated place away from direct sunlight, separate from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, acids)
Specific Uses: Restricted to trained personnel in designated areas, maintain good industrial hygiene practices, periodic workplace monitoring recommended
Packaging Materials: Use original containers or glass, high-density polyethylene containers
Incompatible Storage: Never place near ignition sources or oxidizing chemicals

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No established occupational exposure limits; suggested threshold for airborne exposure by analogy to similar pyrazines, 1 ppm (8-hour TWA)
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood, explosion-proof ventilation, process enclosure for large scale handling
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical resistant gloves, safety glasses with side shields, flame-resistant lab coat, NIOSH-approved respirator if vapor exceeds controls
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, ensure eyewash station and safety shower nearby, do not eat or drink while using product
Environmental Controls: Local containment for potential leaks, air monitoring, filtration in exhaust systems

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, earthy, green-bell pepper; varies by isomer
Odor Threshold: Extremely low, detectable at parts-per-trillion
pH: Not available (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: -15 to 2°C
Boiling Point: 161 to 174°C
Flash Point: 52-56°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Slow, similar to other aromatic amines
Flammability: Flammable; vapors heavier than air
Vapor Pressure: 0.3 - 1.1 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Solubility in Water: Slight; more soluble in alcohols and ethers
Partition coefficient (log Kow): 1.1 - 1.6
Decomposition Temperature: Above 220°C
Viscosity: Thin liquid at room temperature

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage, sensitive to light and air over extended periods
Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with strong oxidizers, may form unstable peroxides upon long-term exposure to air
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, prolonged storage in open containers, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methylpyrazine fragments
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize under normal conditions

11. Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated 350-900 mg/kg based on pyrazine analogs
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild, occasional redness or dryness on direct contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Immediate redness and discomfort, prolonged exposure intensifies symptoms
Respiratory Sensitization: No data on sensitizing effects, but inhalation causes temporary discomfort, cough
Chronic Effects: No studies on chronic toxicity, extrapolation from similar pyrazine derivatives suggests low risk of organ sensitization
Carcinogenicity: No classification by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Unlikely based on available literature, but data are sparse
Other Health Risks: High-concentration exposure leads to nausea, headache, possible CNS depression

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at low concentrations, LC50 (96h, fish): 12-35 mg/L (extrapolated)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, expected to degrade slowly in soil and water, photodegradation possible
Bioaccumulation Potential: Log Kow suggests low bioaccumulation, fish BCF estimated <10
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility, slightly soluble in water, may leach in sandy soils
Other Adverse Effects: Strong aroma detectable at very low concentrations, may affect taste/smell of water and soil at sub-toxic levels

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in approved chemical waste facility
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, puncture or crush, use certified waste handler
Do Not Dispose: Down drains, in regular trash, or near natural waterways
Local Regulations: Follow all local, regional, and federal hazardous waste disposal rules
Recommended Waste Codes: Consult local guidelines for solvent or organic waste classification

14. Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1993 (Flammable Liquid, n.o.s. [contains Methoxymethylpyrazine])
UN Shipping Name: Flammable Liquid, n.o.s.
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: III (minor hazard)
Labels: Flammable liquid placard required
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant under standard transport regulations
Special Precautions: Keep away from heat, store in upright, secure containers, comply with ICAO/IATA and IMDG codes for national and international shipment

15. Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
EINECS/ELINCS: 233-914-7 (specific numbers may differ by isomer)
SARA Title III Sections 302/304/313: Not regulated
California Prop 65: Not listed
REACH: Subject to registration under Annex VII/XVIII, depending on use volumes
Other Regulatory Notes: Subject to workplace chemical safety rules in EU, US, Canada, China, Australia, Korea; local limits on air/water emissions may apply
Labeling Requirements: Must display GHS hazard statements, signal words, manufacturer data, hazard pictograms