FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine (CAS: 2882-20-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)pyrazine
• CAS Number: 2882-20-4
• FEMA Number: 3244
• Other Identifiers: FL number 07.084
• Molecular Formula: C6H8N2S
• Molecular Weight: 140.21 g/mol

2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is characterized by its pyrazine ring, which is a six-membered aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms. The presence of a methylthio group contributes to its distinctive odor profile, often described as earthy and nutty. This compound is significant in flavor and fragrance applications due to its potent odor and flavor characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is known for its strong, earthy, and nutty aroma, reminiscent of roasted nuts or potatoes. It is often used as an impact note in flavor formulations due to its intense and diffusive nature. The compound has a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer or a character-impact note in savory applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is naturally found in various roasted and cooked foods, such as coffee, cocoa, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. The presence of 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory terms.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is widely used in savory flavor applications, including meat, roasted, and nutty profiles. It serves as a potent impact note, providing depth and authenticity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including heat and pH variations, but may be susceptible to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is used to impart earthy and nutty notes, often in woody or gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a trace realism enhancer or a modifier, contributing to the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often below 0.1%, due to its potent odor. The compound contributes primarily to the 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: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 07.084.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling. Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart authentic roasted and nutty notes. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-used in sweet applications, where it can add complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-methyl-3-(methyl thio) pyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.

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 2026-09-11 20:04:57 GMT (p2)