2-Ethyl Pyrazine: Structure, Properties, and Material Insight

What is 2-Ethyl Pyrazine?

2-Ethyl Pyrazine stands out among pyrazine derivatives for its distinct nutty aroma. The molecule brings something unique to the table, both in flavor chemistry and as a building block in chemical synthesis. 2-Ethyl Pyrazine carries a molecular formula of C6H8N2, and its structure is composed of a pyrazine ring with an ethyl group attached at the second position. The molecule appears as a solid under typical room conditions but displays variations depending on temperature and storage. Companies in the food industry, as well as laboratories handling raw materials, rely heavily on accurate specifications to guide how they purchase, transport, and use this chemical.

Physical Properties and Form

Most commonly, 2-Ethyl Pyrazine takes the form of pale, crystalline flakes or a solid powder. Some batches may present as colorless to yellowish crystals, depending on purity and the presence of trace impurities. Its density hovers around 1.07 g/cm³, and the substance melts at approximately 56-58°C. The solid may turn to liquid at slightly elevated temperatures, so proper storage remains critical to prevent unintended phase changes. Odor is not just a trivial note for this compound—the nutty, roast-like aroma is among the main reasons it ends up in food flavorings and fragrances. Some industrial packets contain the chemical in pearl or granular form for use in solutions, depending on the application. Handling larger volumes (often in liter-based containers or drums) highlights the importance of knowing whether the compound will behave as a free-flowing powder, clingy crystals, or a slightly tacky solid under your working conditions.

Chemical Specifications and Identification

2-Ethyl Pyrazine fits within the HS Code category 2933.39. This classification signals to customs and logistics handlers that they’re dealing with a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, potentially subject to import/export restrictions and chemical safety standards. On a molecular level, this compound is relatively stable, but manufacturers and researchers always check purity levels, water content, and the presence of byproducts because properties like solubility and melting point can shift with even small percentages of contamination. The chemical structure, featuring nitrogen atoms at the 1- and 4-positions, makes it reactive in targeted synthesis but less hazardous than more volatile aromatic compounds. Accurate documentation—such as certificate of analysis for content and impurity profile—provides the backbone for any batch transfer or downstream use.

Applications and Raw Material Role

The vast majority of 2-Ethyl Pyrazine produced finds its way into the flavor and fragrance industry, where minute quantities impart roasted, nutty notes to processed foods, snacks, and baked goods. Its potent aroma means only a fraction of a gram can influence the sensory profile of a finished product. Chemical manufacturers also look to pyrazines like this one as intermediates for more complex syntheses, given the relative ease of functionalization at open sites of the aromatic ring. The material plays a rare double role: it delivers sensory impact as a raw material in formulations and also acts as a backbone for functional group additions in pharmaceutical labs. Packaging specifications frequently call for solid, dry storage—avoiding moisture and exposure to airborne contaminants that could degrade the product or introduce off-notes in sensitive applications.

Safe Handling, Hazard, and Environmental Notes

Like many nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, 2-Ethyl Pyrazine requires respect for its chemical nature. Direct skin or eye contact may cause mild irritation, particularly for individuals with chemical sensitivities. Operators rely on gloves and basic eye protection for routine weighing or mixing. The material should always be kept away from open flames or heat sources, even if it has a relatively high boiling point, since pyrazine-based fumes can cause headaches or dizziness when inhaled in confined spaces. For large-scale deliveries, technical data sheets spell out safe dosing, storage conditions, and spill control measures, usually warning to avoid releasing powdered dust into the workplace air and to thoroughly clean surfaces after handling. Disposal follows local guidelines for organic chemicals, paying attention to concentration and potential dilution in wastewater streams.

Molecular and Solution Behavior

A typical 2-Ethyl Pyrazine sample dissolves well in most organic solvents, such as ethanol and ethyl acetate. Its solubility in water remains limited, which matters for food chemists preparing flavor solutions destined for aqueous systems. This property also influences how the compound distributes in mixtures, separating or stratifying if poured into incompatible solvents. A solution containing this material maintains its characteristic scent, intensifying as concentration increases. At the molecular level, the stability of the pyrazine ring means that the core structure resists breakdown, even as the ethyl side chain makes it more lipophilic than its unsubstituted relatives. Whether in powder, pearl, flake, or dissolved form, 2-Ethyl Pyrazine functions predictably in the right matrix but demands proper measurement to avoid overpowering the desired end result.

Summary Table: 2-Ethyl Pyrazine Specifications