2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine (CAS 14667-55-1) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine
CAS 14667-55-1
What Is 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine?
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine is a synthetic aroma chemical that adds roasted, nutty notes to fragrances. You’ll encounter it in gourmand perfumes and some coffee or chocolate scents. This molecule matters because it creates realistic food-like aromas without actual food ingredients, allowing perfumers to craft edible-inspired fragrances that last.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine Smell Like?
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine bursts with an intensely roasted coffee bean character, evolving into deep hazelnut and cocoa powder nuances. The dry-down reveals a persistent toasted almond quality with whispers of tobacco leaf. Unlike simpler pyrazines, this trimethylated variant carries exceptional diffusion – a single drop can fill a room with the aroma of freshly ground coffee mingled with roasted peanuts.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the dark chocolate accord, adding roasted depth to the caramelized sugar notes without becoming overly sweet.
Provides the photorealistic coffee bean top note that distinguishes this fragrance from simpler vanilla gourmands.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=CN=C(C)C(C)=N1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
As a trimethylated pyrazine, this compound belongs to the heterocyclic nitrogen-containing aroma chemicals. The three methyl groups at positions 2, 3, and 5 create steric hindrance that slows degradation, contributing to its exceptional persistence. Synthesized through condensation reactions of diketones with ammonia derivatives, its production requires careful temperature control to prevent unwanted side products.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | Not available |
|---|---|
| Density | Not available |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Powerful modifier for gourmand accords |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.3% | Used sparingly in air fresheners |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance with ionones to prevent the roasted note from dominating the dry-down.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar roasted character but with more potato-like nuances at higher concentrations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 49th Amendment
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe at current usage levels according to RIFM 2015 assessment.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Modern synthesis routes have reduced solvent waste through catalytic methods. The compound’s potency means minimal quantities are needed per formulation.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 14667-55-1Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 122.17 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 171.5 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.122 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 54.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.1094💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.735💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1=CN=C(C(=N1)C)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Moderate💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | burntnuttyroasted• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | aromatic💻 RDKit |
| 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine has a baked-potato or roasted-peanut aroma.📖 Fenaroli | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.2423 ppm (n=12)📖 van Gemert |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID1047075
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 122.171 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.973 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 171.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 29.195 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 54.475 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.504 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 124.706 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.95 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.001 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.001 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.51 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 1.145 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 1.308 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.411 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.59 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 126.79 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 25.78 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 36.91 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 14.632 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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