2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine, known by its CAS number 15707-23-0, belongs to the pyrazine family, a group of compounds widely recognized for their role in delivering flavor and aroma. If you’ve ever noticed the nutty or roasted aroma in processed foods, you’ve probably encountered pyrazines at work. This compound, with a molecular formula of C7H10N2 and a molecular weight hovering around 122.17 g/mol, draws attention in both industrial and lab settings due to its potent nature and strong sensory footprint. While you won’t spot it on every product label, the food, fragrance, and even chemical industries often rely on it to create specific tastes or smells, mimicking the complexity of roasted nuts or grains. Specific details like HS Code 2933.19.90 set it apart in regulatory catalogues, simplifying its identification for global trade and import processes.
This molecule’s appearance can be deceivingly simple. At room temperature, pure 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine may present as pale yellow flakes or off-white crystalline powders, but under different humidity and pressure conditions, it sometimes takes a more solid pellet form. In liquid preparations or solutions, the substance can blend easily thanks to moderate solubility in ethanol and limited solubility in water, raising its value for various types of formulation work. As for its density, expect approximately 0.96 g/cm3 in a solid state—not dense like salt, but far from light either. Specific melting and boiling points land at around 56 to 57°C and 192 to 195°C, which offers predictability for storage and processing, cutting down on surprises. Chemically, the dual presence of nitrogen atoms gives the pyrazine ring notable stability and flavor intensity, which emerges with particular force after heating. Many lab technicians keep an eye on this trait when using it as a raw material for more complex syntheses.
Safe handling stands at the front of any operation working with 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine. The compound’s strong aroma isn’t just a pleasure in culinary use—it can signal high volatility, which translates to a risk of eye, respiratory, and skin discomfort if exposure reaches significant levels. On the hazard front, the chemical is often tagged with warnings covering harmful effects on inhalation or contact, and standard MSDS guidance recommends gloves, eye protection, and ventilation. Ingesting concentrated forms of pyrazines can lead to gastrointestinal distress, which drives home the importance of keeping the material away from areas where people eat or drink. Those who spend long hours blending or decanting the substance come to appreciate the need for fume hoods and strict labeling, recognizing that minor negligence can become a health event.
What I’ve seen in practice is that users appreciate detailed product specifications more than glossy promises. Purity often exceeds 98%, reassuring buyers who want reliable outcomes without second-guessing impurities. Many suppliers offer the product in flexible packaging, including drums, bottles, and sealed sachets, each intended to minimize moisture ingress and extend shelf life. While some prefer the density and consistency of pearls or flakes, others request powder forms that disperse quickly in liquid solutions, which makes sense for rapid blending or scaling up production. Whether stored in a lab freezer or standard materials warehouse, stability across temperatures remains a selling point, as does strong resistance to light degradation. If spills occur, the substance does not flow uncontrollably like many hazardous liquids, making containment and cleanup less stressful—though still deserving of protective gear.
The importance of 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine stretches far beyond its role in flavor development. Food scientists use it to create depth and authenticity in products ranging from cereals to confectionery, relying on its unique aromatic intensity to mimic real roasting. Industrial chemists view it as a valuable intermediate, feeding various synthesis pathways that demand both reactivity and structural resilience. The perfume and fragrance sectors value its rich, earthy undertones, adding complexity to formulations meant to evoke natural environments. Having seen its role in research labs, I can confirm its relevance isn’t limited to large-scale manufacturing. Small-batch researchers, prototyping new food or scent products, credit 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine for helping them translate creative concepts into testable solutions. Some companies prioritize non-toxic labeling or “natural” content; here, the compound’s history of safe use, when handled in dilute forms, supports efforts to blend science and consumer trust.
Like every chemical with strong functional traits, risks emerge from neglect—a leaky container, poor ventilation, or lapses in labeling. Solutions begin with training and reinforcement of practical safety protocols: clear labeling, appropriate storage in sealed containers, and easy-to-access information about hazard classes and HS Codes go a long way in setting standards. Emergency wash stations, regular review of Safety Data Sheets, and investment in odor control technologies become indispensable as workloads increase. Waste disposal also calls for attention, since careless handling can contribute to workplace exposure and environmental contamination. Real progress comes when management teams link workplace rules to actual daily routines, treating 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine as a valued, but demanding, material rather than another commodity.
Every industry dealing in synesthetic flavors or aroma profiles depends on steady access to specialty raw materials, and 2-Ethyl-3-Methyl Pyrazine typifies this need. Suppliers must monitor consistency of supply, staying ahead of disruptions that can stall production runs or R&D projects. From a material sourcing perspective, transparency regarding country of origin, batch purity, and compliance with international standards remains crucial. Efforts to recycle or minimize waste also appear, since many know that cleaner operations offer both regulatory and reputational benefits. For anyone involved in long-term product development, steady collaboration with trustworthy suppliers and open communication about specification changes will keep surprises to a minimum and value on the rise.
