FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine (CAS: 2882-21-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxy-6-methylpyrazine
• CAS Number: 2882-21-5
• FEMA Number: 3249
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.061
• Molecular Formula: C6H8N2O
• Molecular Weight: 124.14 g/mol

2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is a heterocyclic aromatic compound characterized by a pyrazine ring substituted with a methoxy group and a methyl group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is known for its potent earthy, green, and bell pepper-like aroma. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive character with a low odor threshold, making it an impactful note even at low concentrations. This compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic green and earthy character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound naturally occurs in various plants, including bell peppers, peas, and asparagus. It is formed through enzymatic processes within these plants. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on its extraction method.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in savory and vegetable flavors. It is commonly found in applications such as soups, sauces, and snack foods. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is used to impart a green, earthy note, often in fine fragrances and personal care products. It serves as a trace realism component or modifier, contributing to the top or middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations are low, often less than 0.1%, due to its strong odor intensity.

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: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. The risk profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart a realistic green and earthy note. It synergizes well with other green and vegetable notes but can easily dominate a formulation if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor intensity and adjust concentrations accordingly.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-methoxy-6-methyl pyrazine is well-established, with consistent findings across sensory and regulatory literature. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods.

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 2026-04-22 19:00:12 GMT (p2)