2,3-Dimethylpyrazine (CAS 5910-89-4) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2,3-Dimethylpyrazine
CAS 5910-89-4
What Is 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine?
2,3-Dimethylpyrazine is a synthetic aroma compound used in food flavorings and fragrances. It imparts a roasted, nutty character reminiscent of coffee or cocoa. This ingredient matters because it adds depth to gourmand fragrances and savory flavor profiles, creating familiar yet sophisticated scent experiences.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine Smell Like?
A potent roasted-nut aroma with coffee-like richness and a subtle earthy undertone. Opens with sharp pyrazinic pungency that quickly mellows into warm cocoa tones. The dry-down reveals lingering toasted grain nuances with whisper-thin metallic highlights, like the memory of espresso grounds on a copper tray.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a coffee-chocolate enhancer in the legendary gourmand base, adding roasted depth to patchouli and caramel.
Provides dark chocolate nuances that bridge between truffle and floral notes, creating edible sophistication.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=C(C)N=CC=N1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
An alkylpyrazine derivative with a simple bicyclic structure. Synthesized via Maillard-type reactions between diacetyl and ammonia derivatives. The methyl groups at positions 2 and 3 create steric hindrance that affects volatility and binding to olfactory receptors. No chiral centers present.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 155-157 °C |
|---|---|
| Vapor Pressure | 1.2 mmHg at 25°C |
| Flash Point | 46 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Gourmand accent |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.3% | Roasted nuance |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly with vanillin to create convincing chocolate effects without overwhelming the composition.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More potent roasted character with potato skin nuances, used when greater diffusion is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment complete – safe at current use levels.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical precursors with relatively low environmental impact. No known ecological toxicity concerns at fragrance usage levels.
Explore 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4064058
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 108.144 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.006 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 156 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -12 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 54.475 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.504 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 108.431 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.54 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 0.638 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 0.639 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.73 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 2.836 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 2.379 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.871 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 36.466 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 131.543 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 | 32.085 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.72 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.
