2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline

Full Material List

N/A

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	55968-42-8
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	N/A
Synonyms	2- ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	N/A
Molecular Formula	N/A

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	alcohol water
Occurrence	coffee

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline (CAS: 55968-42-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): 2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline
IUPAC Name: 2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline
CAS Number: 55968-42-8
FEMA Number: Not available
Other Identifiers: Not available
Molecular Formula: C10H14N2
Molecular Weight: 162.23 g/mol

2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is a heterocyclic compound characterized by a quinoxaline core with an ethyl group substitution. The presence of nitrogen atoms in the ring structure contributes to its potential odor characteristics, which can be significant in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is known for its distinctive odor profile, which can be described as earthy and nutty with subtle sweet undertones. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role often involves enhancing the depth and realism of flavor or fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in industrial applications. Its formation can be attributed to synthetic organic chemistry processes rather than natural biosynthetic pathways. As such, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is utilized in flavor systems primarily for its ability to impart earthy and nutty notes. It is often employed in savory applications, such as in meat analogs or snack seasonings, where it can enhance umami characteristics. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor matrix. The compound is generally stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and neutral pH.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is valued for its ability to add depth and complexity to compositions. It is often used in woody or oriental fragrance families, contributing as a middle note that enhances the overall richness of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired olfactory impact. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and base notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not well-documented; formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.
Latin America: No specific listings; general safety and labeling standards apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry-typical ranges to maintain safety.
Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may vary between food and fragrance applications, with dermal and inhalation routes being more relevant for fragrance use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is valued for its ability to enhance earthy and nutty notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other umami compounds in savory applications and can add depth to woody or oriental fragrances. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or unbalanced profile. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data. Industry practices often guide its use, with formulators relying on typical usage levels and safety assessments.

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 2026-02-09 22:01:28 GMT (p2)

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