2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine (CAS 15707-23-0) — Sweet Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine
CAS 15707-23-0
What Is 2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine?
2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine is a synthetic aroma chemical that creates earthy, nutty, and roasted coffee-like scents. You’ll find it in perfumes, flavored coffees, and some savory food products. This molecule matters because it adds depth and realism to gourmand fragrances, mimicking the smell of freshly roasted nuts or coffee beans with remarkable precision.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine Smell Like?
2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine bursts with an intense roasted coffee bean character, transitioning to a warm hazelnut heart with earthy undertones. The dry-down reveals a lingering cocoa powder nuance with subtle tobacco leaf accents. Like sniffing a freshly opened bag of premium coffee beans, it maintains a dry, slightly smoky texture throughout its evolution. In dilution, it develops surprising complexity – hints of baked potato skin and toasted sesame seeds emerge.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to create the illusion of dark roasted coffee beans in the opening, blending with cannabis and oud notes for an edgy gourmand effect.
Provides the authentic roasted coffee note that makes this fragrance smell like walking into an Italian espresso bar.
Forms the core coffee accord, balanced with vanilla and patchouli to create a sweetened espresso effect.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCC1=NC=CN=C1C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Ethyl-3-methylpyrazine belongs to the alkylpyrazine class, known for their potent aroma characteristics at extremely low concentrations. While pyrazines occur naturally in roasted foods like coffee and nuts, this specific isomer is typically synthesized for perfumery use. Industrial production often involves the reaction of diketones with diamines under controlled conditions. The ethyl and methyl substitutions at the 2 and 3 positions create its distinctive roasted profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Threshold | Extremely low (ppb range) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Used in trace amounts due to potency |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.001-0.01% | Up to 0.05% | For air care and home fragrance applications |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before incorporating into blends due to extreme potency.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More roasted potato-like character, slightly less coffee-forward. Useful when a earthier profile is desired.
Famous bell pepper pyrazine, provides green rather than roasted characteristics.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. Approved for use in all fragrance categories.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has conducted safety assessments on related pyrazines but specific data on this isomer requires further evaluation.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine has minimal environmental impact during production. Its extreme potency means very small quantities are needed, reducing overall resource consumption compared to natural alternatives like coffee absolute.
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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 errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4047464
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 122.171 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.985 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 171.8 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -33.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 62.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.501 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 124.973 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.109 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.065 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.065 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.47 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 2.783 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 1.553 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 2.278 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.6 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130.477 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 | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 36.81 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 14.592 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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