FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (CAS: 24683-00-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine
• CAS Number: 24683-00-9
• FEMA Number: 3151
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.061
• Molecular Formula: C9H14N2O
• Molecular Weight: 166.22 g/mol

2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is a pyrazine compound characterized by its methoxy group and isobutyl side chain. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its distinctive earthy and green bell pepper-like odor, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is renowned for its potent earthy, green, and bell pepper-like aroma. It is highly intense even at low concentrations, with a reported odor threshold in the parts per trillion (ppt) range, making it a powerful impact note in flavor formulations. Its sensory role often involves adding authenticity and complexity to vegetable and herbaceous profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound naturally occurs in various plants, including bell peppers, peas, and certain grape varieties. It is biosynthesized in plants through enzymatic pathways involving amino acid precursors. Its presence in grapes is particularly relevant to the wine industry, where it contributes to the characteristic aroma of certain wine varietals.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is used in flavor formulations to impart green, earthy, and vegetable notes. It is commonly applied in savory products, soups, sauces, and certain beverages. Typical use levels range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm in finished products, with precise concentrations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. It is stable under typical processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is used to add a green, fresh, and earthy character. It is found in fragrance families such as fougère and chypre, and is used in personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaners. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.061.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, but sensitization data is limited. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profile is favorable for both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is valued for its ability to impart authentic green and earthy notes. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and green notes but can easily overpower a formulation if not used judiciously. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity and consider its impact on the overall sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and combinations are often based on empirical knowledge rather than documented studies.

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 2026-08-23 18:07:47 GMT (p2)