2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine (isomer unspecified) (CAS 27043-05-06) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine (isomer unspecified)
CAS 27043-05-06
What Is 2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine (isomer unspecified)?
2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine is a synthetic aroma chemical primarily used by professional perfumers to add nutty, roasted nuances to fragrances. Consumers might encounter it in gourmand or coffee-themed perfumes. This pyrazine derivative matters because it provides extremely potent roasted notes at trace levels, allowing perfumers to create photorealistic food impressions without using actual food extracts.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine (isomer unspecified) Smell Like?
2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine explodes with an intense, almost aggressive roasted coffee bean character, like the first whiff from a freshly opened bag of dark roast beans. The top note carries a surprising metallic edge that quickly softens into deep hazelnut tones. As it dries down, it reveals a more refined cocoa powder nuance with a whisper of toasted bread crust. In dilution, it becomes surprisingly versatile – adding coffee shop authenticity to gourmands or earthy depth to woody masculines.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
As an alkylpyrazine, this molecule belongs to the heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds that are famous for their low odor thresholds and food-like aromatic properties. The ethyl and methyl substitutions on the pyrazine ring create a particularly potent roasted character. Industrial synthesis typically involves condensation reactions of amino acids or through the Maillard reaction analogs. The unspecified isomer mixture likely contains both 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine variants.
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 at trace levels for effect |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.001-0.01% | Up to 0.05% | Coffee flavor enhancement |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before incorporating due to extreme potency.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More nutty and less roasted, with better diffusion at similar usage levels.
Provides popcorn-like notes with higher volatility for top note applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has reviewed pyrazine derivatives but no specific assessment found for this isomer mixture.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production requires petrochemical feedstocks but has minimal environmental impact due to extremely low usage levels. No known agricultural or biodiversity concerns. Energy-intensive manufacturing is offset by the material’s high potency – one kilogram can fragrance thousands of products.
Explore 2-Ethyl-dimethylpyrazine (isomer unspecified)
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- Pyrazine research overview PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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