FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl Pyrazine (CAS: 1124-11-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Tetramethylpyrazine
• IUPAC Name: 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine
• CAS Number: 1124-11-4
• FEMA Number: 3244
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.211
• Molecular Formula: C8H12N2
• Molecular Weight: 136.19 g/mol

2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl pyrazine is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. It features a pyrazine ring substituted with four methyl groups, which contributes to its distinct odor profile. The presence of nitrogen atoms in the pyrazine ring is significant for its odor characteristics, often described as nutty and earthy.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl pyrazine is characterized by a nutty, earthy aroma with cocoa-like nuances. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity and is used to impart a roasted or toasted note in flavor formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. It serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is naturally found in various foods, including cocoa, coffee, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the roasting and cooking of foods. Its presence in naturally processed foods allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl pyrazine is widely used in flavor formulations for its ability to enhance roasted, nutty, and cocoa-like notes. It is commonly applied in chocolate, coffee, and nut flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. The compound is stable under heat and acidic conditions, making it suitable for various food processing applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl pyrazine is used to add warmth and depth to compositions. It is often found in gourmand and oriental fragrance families, contributing as a middle note. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and base notes, providing a balanced olfactory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.211.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals exist for flavor use, while fragrance applications are subject to IFRA guidelines. Variability in regulatory acceptance may occur based on regional interpretations of "natural" status.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl pyrazine is considered safe within established use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl pyrazine is valued for its ability to enhance and deepen flavor profiles, particularly in chocolate and coffee applications. It synergizes well with other pyrazines and roasted notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can dominate blends if overused. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl pyrazine is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. No significant data gaps are noted.

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 2026-02-06 22:38:09 GMT (p2)