2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine shows up in the chemical world as a solid with a distinct, earthy odor. Anyone working in flavor and fragrance labs might recognize it by its strong roasted, nutty scent. The molecular formula reads C7H10N2, giving it a molecular weight of 122.17 g/mol. Stored in containers, the substance usually lands in the form of white to pale yellow flakes, crystalline powder, or fine granules. No mystery surrounds its density, as measurements put it at around 0.98 g/cm3. The structure features a pyrazine ring substituted with an ethyl group at position 2 and a methyl group at position 6, something that impacts both reactivity and aroma profiles.
The chemical often appears as a solid at room temperature, thanks to a melting point near 30–35°C. You’ll find it can be delivered as flakes, powders, or small crystalline pearls, though in warmer settings, some batches may soften. Solubility in water stays low, but it dissolves well in common organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether. In production and mixing settings, knowing how easily it dissolves helps avoid lumps or clumps, making process flow smoother. The density settles between liquid and solid, adding versatility for blenders and formulators. Some suppliers also provide it as a solution, mixed with solvents for applications needing direct liquid dosing, but the pure solid material carries the strongest aromatic punch. The color stays mostly white to pale yellow, indicating purity and freshness, qualities important in food and fragrance manufacturing.
Trade and export operations group 2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine under HS Code 2933.99, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen only. The code matters for customs and compliance in global shipping, highlighting its identity as a specialty chemical. Manufacturers often trace this compound to synthesis rooted in chemical raw materials, typically involving pyrazine derivatives. Sourcing demands high purity, so raw material handlers must work within tight quality controls to keep impurities low and batch consistency high.
Buyers pay attention to specifications like assay or purity, water content, and melting range. A reliable product carries at least 98% assay as measured by gas chromatography. Moisture levels stay below 0.5%. Particle size, though not always specified, influences ease of dissolution and mixing. Packaging includes drum, jar, and foil bags, each chosen for barrier properties to keep out light and damp, both of which can affect the aroma and chemical stability.
Pyrazines like this one showcase stability in neutral conditions, but heat or acids can provoke breakdown or changes in aroma. Structurally, two nitrogen atoms sit at positions 1 and 4 on the six-membered ring, with the ethyl and methyl substituents sticking off at their named locations. In practical settings, this chemical structure leads to potent flavor effects at tiny doses. Chemists appreciate pyrazines for their aromatic power, rarely needing more than a few milligrams per kilogram in a recipe or a fragrance formula.
The food industry leans on 2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine to create roasted, nutty, and earthy notes found in snacks, coffee blends, and seasonings. Many roasted peanut flavors owe their profile to this compound, which reproduces real roast aromas without scorched or bitter notes. Perfume and fragrance chemists use it to bring grounding, roasted complexities to scents intended for men’s colognes, candles, and home fragrances. Agrochemical fields sometimes employ these pyrazines in attractants or repellents, capitalizing on their strong volatile signature. Pharmaceuticals might use them as intermediates, but the most common touchpoint with consumers comes through food and home product aromas.
2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine does not just offer utility—it demands respect in the handling department. Gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation become everyday needs for those who work with this substance in production or laboratory environments. Data from safety sheets highlight health risks such as irritation if it gets on the skin or in the eyes, and potential harm if swallowed in concentrated doses. Users must avoid breathing in dust or fumes that arise during mixing. Spills require careful collection and disposal, as environmental contamination needs to be avoided. Though not flagged as acutely toxic at occupational exposure levels, those with respiratory sensitivities should steer clear of airborne particles. Fire risk exists if stored close to heat or open flames, owing to organic volatiles, so fire prevention measures must stay in mind.
Organizations tasked with environmental protection classify 2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine as a chemical of interest due to its strong odor and persistence. Waste handling calls for controlled disposal, following both local and international legislation. Practitioners keep logs and submit documentation for inventory and traceability. In my experience, routine audits and safety checks help limit accidents and reinforce safe practices in warehouses and laboratories. Those in charge of purchasing often review supplier history, certifications, and compliance records, making sure shipments meet health and safety rules. Regulations aim to shield both workers and the broader environment from accidental releases or long-term exposure.
Training stands out as the single most effective measure for keeping people and processes safe. Direct, hands-on instruction in handling, storage, and emergency response pays dividends over relying only on manuals. Practical upgrades—like improved ventilation in production lines, automatic dust extractors, and smarter PPE—help those working in close quarters with the material. Marking drums clearly and keeping raw materials off damp floors reduces the chance of moisture-related spoilage. Bringing in better labeling and digital track-and-trace systems adds another layer of protection, especially as companies scale or diversify production.
2-Ethyl-6-Methylpyrazine may not land on supermarket shelves by name, yet its flavor, safety, and material properties ripple through products all over the world. Staying sharp on protocol, knowing what goes into each batch, and keeping safety front and center helps professionals unlock its full potential without setbacks.
