AInsights Entry for Marine Pyridine (CAS: 38462-23-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Marine Pyridine
• IUPAC Name: Pyridine
• CAS Number: 38462-23-6
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C5H5N
• Molecular Weight: 79.10 g/mol

Marine pyridine is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with a six-membered ring containing five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. The presence of the nitrogen atom contributes to its basicity and influences its odor profile, which is often described as fishy or marine-like. This compound is significant in both flavor and fragrance industries due to its distinctive sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Marine pyridine is characterized by its strong, fishy, and marine-like odor, which can be quite intense and diffusive. It is often used as an impact note in formulations where a marine or oceanic character is desired. The odor threshold for marine pyridine is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a modifier or an impact note, providing a realistic marine nuance to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Marine pyridine is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through various chemical processes. It is often associated with the degradation of organic matter in marine environments, contributing to the characteristic odor of the sea. Its formation can also occur through synthetic pathways in industrial settings, where it is produced for use in flavor and fragrance applications. The compound's association with marine environments makes it relevant for "natural fragrance" designations when derived from natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Marine pyridine is utilized in flavor formulations to impart a marine or oceanic character. It is commonly used in seafood flavorings, where it enhances the authenticity of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. It is important to note that marine pyridine is sensitive to heat and oxidation, which can affect its stability and sensory impact in flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, marine pyridine is used to create marine, oceanic, and aquatic scents. It is often incorporated into fragrance compositions as a trace realism note or an impact modifier. The typical concentration ranges from trace amounts to 0.5% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired effect. Due to its volatility, marine pyridine contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Marine pyridine is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. Its use in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines.
• European Union: Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, marine pyridine does not have a specific FL number and is not explicitly approved for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, with no specific approvals for marine pyridine.
• Asia: In Japan and China, marine pyridine is not commonly used in food applications and lacks specific regulatory approvals.
• Latin America: There is limited information on the regulatory status of marine pyridine in countries like Brazil and MERCOSUR.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values for marine pyridine. It is recommended to verify safety through industry-typical practices and consult relevant safety data sheets.
• Dermal Exposure: Marine pyridine may cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use levels in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure should be minimized in occupational settings. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are advised.

Risk profiles may differ 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

Marine pyridine is valued for its ability to impart a realistic marine character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other marine and oceanic notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor, which can easily dominate a composition if overused. It is often under-used in formulations due to its intense character, but when balanced correctly, it can add a unique and desirable dimension.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on marine pyridine is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and chemical identity. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, particularly for oral exposure. Industry practices often guide its use, with formulators relying on empirical knowledge and safety data sheets.

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 2026-02-08 20:06:52 GMT (p2)