FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine (CAS: 67952-65-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine
- IUPAC Name: 2-(Methylthio)-3,5-dimethylpyrazine
- CAS Number: 67952-65-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H10N2S
- Molecular Weight: 154.23 g/mol
This compound is characterized by a pyrazine ring substituted with methyl and methylthio groups. The presence of sulfur in the methylthio group contributes significantly to its odor profile, imparting a savory, roasted, and nutty aroma, which is highly valued in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine is known for its potent odor, described as roasted, nutty, and meaty, with a slight sulfurous note. It is often used to impart a savory character to food products. The compound has a low odor threshold, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to flavor formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This reaction is responsible for the development of complex flavors in roasted and cooked foods, making 2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine relevant for natural flavor designations when derived from such processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine is used in various flavor categories, including savory, roasted, and nutty profiles. It plays a functional role as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of flavors in products like snacks, sauces, and meat analogs. Typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, with stability considerations including moderate resistance to heat and pH variations but potential oxidation sensitivity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, this compound is used to add a savory, roasted note, often in niche or gourmet fragrance products. It serves as a trace realism component or modifier, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, as its use is more common in flavor applications than in mainstream perfumery.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring principles.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor regulations is advised.
- Latin America: No specific listings; adherence to MERCOSUR guidelines recommended.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values found; use should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls typically applied in food contexts.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2-Methyl Thio-3,5 or 6-Methyl Pyrazine is valued for its ability to impart a roasted, savory character to formulations. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and sulfur-containing compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potent odor, which can lead to overuse. It is often underutilized in fragrance applications due to its niche appeal.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on this compound is well-established in flavor applications, with industry-typical practices guiding its use. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, necessitating cautious application and adherence to general safety guidelines.
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
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
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 19:48:34 GMT (p2)