This section focuses on an overview of 2-methylpyrazine as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to 2-methylpyrazine manufacturers, supply chain issues, 2-methylpyrazine suppliers, and 2-methylpyrazine prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality 2-methylpyrazine in bulk for industry applications at wholesale prices based on FEMA 3309 and CAS 109-08-0.
Table of Contents
What is 2-Methylpyrazine?
2-Methylpyrazine represents a fundamental building block in the flavor and fragrance industry, particularly valued for its distinctive nutty, roasted, and cocoa-like characteristics. As a member of the pyrazine family, this heterocyclic aromatic compound plays a crucial role in both natural flavor development and commercial flavor formulation. 2-Methylpyrazine consists of a six-membered aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 4, with a methyl group substituted at position 2. It demonstrates good solubility in water and excellent miscibility with ethanol and propylene glycol, common solvents used in flavor formulation. Its relatively low odor threshold, typically in the parts per billion range, means that minute quantities can significantly impact the sensory profile of a finished product. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2-methylpyrazine is approved to be used in the food, flavour, and fragrance industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety
2-Methylpyrazine enjoys widespread regulatory approval for use in flavour, foods, and beverages. International regulatory frameworks like EUR-Lex, EFSA, WHO, RIFM, and JECFA have evaluated it for use in food and fragrance applications, establishing acceptable use levels and specifications. In the United States, it holds GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status as FEMA number 3309. The European Union includes it in the list of authorized flavoring substances under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Similar approvals exist in major markets worldwide, though formulators should always verify current regulatory status for specific applications and regions. The fragrance standard of this ingredient has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
2-Methylpyrazine occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods, particularly those subjected to thermal processing. The compound forms primarily through Maillard reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars during heating processes such as roasting, baking, and frying. This explains its prevalence in roasted coffee, cocoa, roasted nuts, baked bread, and cooked meats.
Sensory Characteristics and Flavor Applications
The sensory profile of 2-methylpyrazine encompasses nutty, roasted, and cocoa notes with subtle earthy undertones. At different concentrations, it can evoke associations with roasted peanuts, popcorn, chocolate, or coffee. This versatility makes it invaluable in creating complex flavor systems that require authenticity in roasted or thermally processed profiles.
In practical formulation work, 2-methylpyrazine serves multiple functions. It acts as a key character impact compound in nut flavors, particularly peanut and hazelnut formulations. In chocolate and cocoa flavors, it contributes to the roasted, slightly bitter notes that define quality chocolate products. Coffee flavors benefit from its ability to enhance the roasted character without adding burnt notes. Additionally, it finds application in savory flavors, where it can enhance meaty, roasted notes in products ranging from snack seasonings to prepared meal applications.
CAS No.: 109-08-0
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of 2-methylpyrazine is 109-08-0.
CAS Name: 2-Methylpyrazine
Molecular Formula: C5H6N2
Molecular Mass: 94.12
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid
JECFA Number: 761
Boiling Point: 135.00 °C. @ 761.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Completely soluble in oils, organic solvents. Soluble in water: 1000 mg/mL at 20 °C.
Other Names:
♦ 2- Methylpyrazine
♦ Methylpyrazine
♦ Pyrazine, methyl-
♦ Pyrazine, 2-methyl-
♦ 2-Methyl-1,4-diazine
♦ methyl-pyrazine
2-Methylpyrazine Odor
Odor Description: At 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. nutty cocoa, roasted chocolate, peanut green
FEMA Number 3309
According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the 2-methylpyrazine FEMA number is 3309.
Bulk 2-Methylpyrazine Manufacturers
The global 2-methylpyrazine manufacturers include major flavour and fragrance companies and established chemical producers. Top 2-methylpyrazine manufacturers like Ernesto Ventos and Sigma Aldrich focus on maintaining consistent quality standards and developing flexible production capabilities to accommodate varying customer requirements. China has emerged as a dominant manufacturing hub for 2-methylpyrazine production, offering competitive pricing and established supply chains. Major Chinese 2-methylpyrazine manufacturers typically provide various purity grades and packaging options to accommodate diverse customer requirements, from research-scale to industrial bulk quantities.
Sinofi is a bulk 2-methylpyrazine manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of 2-methylpyrazine. We supply high-quality 2-methylpyrazine at bulk prices and serve food, flavour, and fragrance manufacturers worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of 2-Methylpyrazine
The traditional industrial synthesis of 2-methylpyrazine employs a condensation reaction between ethylenediamine and propylene glycol or related α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds. This process typically operates under the following conditions:
The reaction mixture containing ethylenediamine and propylene glycol in a molar ratio of approximately 1:1.2 undergoes heating to temperatures between 180-220°C. Catalysts such as zinc chloride or copper chromite enhance reaction efficiency. The process requires careful temperature control to minimize side reactions and maximize selectivity toward the desired methylpyrazine isomer. Industrial installations typically employ fractional distillation columns integrated with the reactor system to achieve this water removal while recycling unreacted starting materials.
Bulk 2-Methylpyrazine Suppliers
The global supply of 2-methylpyrazine demonstrates regional concentration patterns aligned with chemical manufacturing capabilities and market proximity. Top 2-methylpyrazine suppliers like Ernesto Ventos and Sigma Aldrich maintain a strong position in the market. Chinese 2-methylpyrazine suppliers, in particular, have established significant production capacity and export capabilities, leveraging cost advantages and established chemical manufacturing infrastructure. They typically provide various packaging options and quality grades to accommodate different customer requirements.
Sinofi is a bulk 2-methylpyrazine supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality methylpyrazine. We sell different grades of 2-methylpyrazine at wholesale prices to food, pharmaceutical, flavour, and fragrance manufacturers.
Supply Chain of 2-Methylpyrazine
The 2-methylpyrazine supply chain represents a specialized but essential component of the global specialty chemicals industry. The multi-tiered structure, spanning from raw material suppliers to end-use manufacturers, demonstrates both the complexity and the integrated nature of this market.
Supply Chain Structure
The 2-methylpyrazine supply chain exhibits a multi-tiered structure with distinct levels of integration and specialization.
Raw Material Suppliers
The foundation of the supply chain rests on suppliers of basic chemical feedstocks and amino acid precursors. This indicates that amino acids serve as critical precursors in pyrazine production.
Primary Manufacturers
The primary manufacturing tier consists of specialized chemical companies capable of producing 2-methylpyrazine through various synthesis routes: chemical synthesis route and biotechnological route. Manufacturers focus on purification, standardization, and custom blending services.
Major Suppliers
China is anticipated to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period, thanks to strong industrialization, increased production capabilities, and rising demand for Pyrazine in various sectors. China emerges as a significant production hub, with 2-Methylpyrazine suppliers from China offering competitive pricing and established manufacturing capabilities.
End-Users
The final tier encompasses companies that incorporate 2-methylpyrazine into finished products across various industries:
Food and Beverage Companies
Large-scale food processors, flavor houses, and beverage manufacturers that integrate the compound into consumer products.
Fragrance Houses
Specialized fragrance companies that formulate perfumes and personal care products.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Organizations utilize the compound as an intermediate in drug synthesis or active pharmaceutical ingredient production.
Wholesale and Buy 2-Methylpyrazine in Bulk
Strategic procurement of 2-methylpyrazine through wholesale and bulk purchasing arrangements offers significant opportunities for cost optimization and supply chain enhancement. Success requires comprehensive supplier evaluation, rigorous quality specifications, and effective inventory management practices. As market conditions continue to evolve, 2-methylpyrazine buyers must balance cost considerations with quality requirements, regulatory compliance, and supply chain resilience to achieve optimal procurement outcomes.
Advantages of Wholesale and Bulk Purchasing
Wholesale procurement of 2-methylpyrazine offers several compelling advantages that directly impact operational efficiency and financial performance. Volume purchasing typically results in significant cost reductions, as 2-methylpyrazine suppliers offer preferential pricing tiers for larger order quantities. These economies of scale can translate into substantial savings, particularly for companies with consistent consumption patterns. Beyond pricing benefits, bulk purchasing strategies enable better inventory management and supply chain stability. Larger order quantities reduce the frequency of procurement cycles, minimizing administrative overhead while ensuring adequate stock levels to support production continuity. This approach proves particularly valuable given the specialized nature of 2-methylpyrazine suppliers and potential lead time variations in the market. Furthermore, establishing wholesale relationships with manufacturers often provides access to technical support services, including certificate of analysis documentation, regulatory compliance assistance, and application development guidance. These value-added services enhance the overall procurement value proposition beyond simple cost considerations.
Supplier Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Effective procurement of 2-methylpyrazine requires comprehensive supplier evaluation across multiple dimensions. Quality assurance capabilities represent the primary consideration, as flavor compounds demand strict adherence to purity standards and organoleptic specifications. Suppliers should demonstrate robust quality management systems, including ISO certifications and comprehensive analytical testing capabilities.
As a bulk manufacturer and supplier of 2-methylpyrazine in China, we supply high-quality methylpyrazine for food, flavour, fragrance, and cosmetic industries. We also wholesale 2-methylpyrazine to small customers. Normally, they want to buy 2-methylpyrazine in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale 2-methylpyrazine at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
2-Methylpyrazine Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade 2-Methylpyrazine Prices (FCC, GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 14 USD | Express |
| 500g | 70 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 100 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The 2-methylpyrazine prices reflect several key market dynamics that influence both supply and demand conditions. They present a complex pricing environment influenced by raw material costs, regulatory requirements, and evolving demand patterns. While the market faces challenges from price volatility and regulatory pressures, opportunities exist for suppliers who can deliver consistent quality and reliable supply chains. Industry analysis reveals that specialty chemical pricing has experienced upward pressure due to raw material costs and regulatory compliance requirements. The 2-methylpyrazine market is expected to experience continued price pressures from several factors. Production cost inflation, driven by raw material and energy costs, will likely support gradual price increases. However, competitive dynamics and production capacity expansion may moderate extreme price movements.
Furthermore, the above 2-methylpyrazine price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of 2-methylpyrazine prices may exceed the value of the sample. However, the bulk wholesale prices of 2-methylpyrazine will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
2-Methylpyrazine Specification
| Appearance: | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid |
| Odor: | roasted nuts, cocoa |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.501 – 1.509 |
2-Methylpyrazine Uses
Food and Flavour Industry Applications
Flavour Applications
2-Methylpyrazine serves as a crucial flavoring agent in food manufacturing, registered under FEMA numbers 3309 and 3616. The compound enhances the sensory experience of numerous food products by providing characteristic nutty and roasted flavor notes. Primary applications include:
Baked Goods and Snacks
The compound contributes to the complex flavor profiles of fresh bread, baked goods, and various snack foods, where its nutty characteristics complement grain-based products.
Beverage Industry
2-Methylpyrazine functions as a coffee aroma enhancer, contributing to the development of rich, roasted flavor profiles in coffee products and other beverages requiring complex aromatic profiles.
Confectionery Products
The compound finds application in chocolate and cocoa products, where it enhances the natural nutty undertones and contributes to overall flavor complexity.
Meat Products
In processed meat applications, 2-methylpyrazine provides roasted, savory notes that enhance the palatability of various meat products.
Fragrance and Aromatherapy
The fragrance industry utilizes 2-methylpyrazine for its distinctive olfactory properties. The compound contributes to complex scent profiles in perfumes and essential oils, appealing to consumers seeking unique aromatic experiences. Its application extends to aromatherapy products, where its nutty, warm characteristics provide comforting sensory attributes.
Pharmaceutical Industry Applications
Drug Intermediate Synthesis
2-Methylpyrazine functions as a key intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in the synthesis of pyrazineamide, an important anti-tubercular medication. This application demonstrates the compound’s significance in producing life-saving pharmaceuticals for treating tuberculosis and other bacterial infections.
The compound’s role extends beyond anti-tubercular drugs to include various pharmaceutical compounds requiring pyrazine-based structures. Its utility as a building block enables the development of medications with specific therapeutic effects, contributing to drug discovery and development processes.
Research Applications
In laboratory settings, 2-methylpyrazine supports research in neurobiology and sensory perception studies. Researchers utilize the compound to investigate mechanisms of taste and smell, contributing to our understanding of chemoreception and sensory processing. These studies have implications for food science, pharmaceutical development, and neuroscience research.
Coordination Chemistry
The compound serves as a ligand in coordination chemistry applications, including the preparation of coordination polymers and fluorescent metal complexes. Notable applications include the synthesis of silver trifluoroacetate coordination polymers and fluorescent silver-saccharinato complexes that exhibit blue luminescence at room temperature.
Agricultural Chemical Applications
Pesticide and Herbicide Formulation
2-Methylpyrazine contributes to the formulation of agricultural chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides. The compound enhances the effectiveness and stability of these products, which proves crucial for crop protection and agricultural yield improvement. Its incorporation into agricultural formulations helps optimize the performance characteristics of active ingredients while maintaining environmental safety profiles.
Crop Protection Enhancement
The stability and compatibility of 2-methylpyrazine with other agricultural chemicals make it valuable for developing comprehensive crop protection solutions. Its role in enhancing product effectiveness contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security.
2-Methylpyrazine Benefits
Flavor Enhancement Benefits
The primary benefit of 2-methylpyrazine lies in its flavor enhancement capabilities. Its application extends to snack foods, seasonings, baked goods, and beverage formulations where traditional roasting processes may be impractical or inconsistent.
The compound’s stability under various processing conditions makes it particularly valuable for maintaining flavor integrity throughout manufacturing and storage periods. This reliability ensures consistent product quality and consumer satisfaction across production batches.
Economic and Industrial Benefits
The compound’s versatility translates into economic advantages for manufacturers seeking cost-effective flavoring solutions. Its potency allows for minimal usage levels while achieving desired sensory effects, contributing to efficient formulation strategies and reduced material costs.
Furthermore, 2-methylpyrazine’s synthetic accessibility enables consistent supply chains independent of agricultural variables that might affect natural sources. This reliability supports stable pricing structures and predictable inventory management for food and fragrance manufacturers.
2-Methylpyrazine Used in Flavour and Fragrance
Successfully incorporating 2-methylpyrazine into flavor systems requires attention to several technical factors. Solubility considerations are paramount, as the compound shows good solubility in alcohol and propylene glycol but limited water solubility. This characteristic influences the choice of solvent systems and may require the use of emulsifiers or encapsulation techniques for aqueous applications.
Stability under various processing conditions must be evaluated for each application. While 2-methylpyrazine demonstrates reasonable thermal stability, extended exposure to high temperatures can lead to degradation or unwanted reactions with other formula components. 2-Methylpyrazine can undergo degradation in highly acidic environments or when exposed to strong oxidizing agents. Encapsulation technologies or careful selection of carrier systems may be necessary for applications requiring extended shelf life or challenging storage conditions.
Interaction with other flavor components represents both an opportunity and a challenge. 2-Methylpyrazine can participate in synergistic effects with compounds such as 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, furaneol, and various thiazoles to create complex roasted profiles. However, careful balance is required to prevent masking of delicate top notes or creation of off-flavors through unintended interactions.
A Rice Flavour for Cigarettes
Includes the following ingredients (by weight):
Ethyl vanillin, 1.00 parts; vanillin, 1.50 parts; octanal, 0.03 parts; ethyl hexadecanoate, 0.15 parts; mushroom alcohol, 0.005 parts; rose essential oil, 0.003 parts; ethyl phenylacetate, 0.02 parts; 2-acetylthiazole, 6.00 parts; 2-methylpyrazine, 5.00 parts; 2-acetylpyrazine, 2.00 parts; thiothiazole, 0.25 parts; 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 0.15 parts; 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 0.06 parts; isophorone, 0.06 parts; αlpha-damascenone, 0.60 parts; beta-damascenone, 0.08 parts. The remainder is solvent, including 15 parts of alcohol and 68.142 parts of propylene glycol.
Add the above-prescribed spices to a mixing bucket, then add the above-prescribed alcohol and ethylene glycol. Stir evenly with 120 rpm at 15°C for approximately 15 minutes to obtain the rice flavour for the cigarette.
The addition of vanillin and ethyl vanillin to cigarette flavour enhances the vanilla and creamy notes of tobacco, providing a basic sweet flavor. 2-Methylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine are used to add toasted and nutty notes to the tobacco, simulating the burnt aroma of rice. Although the content of rose essential oil and ethyl phenylacetate is very low, their addition in small amounts can add a layered aroma to the tobacco flavor, enhance the overall aroma quality of the tobacco, and improve the harmony of the tobacco. Isophorone, α-damascenone, and β-damascenone are used to enhance the sweet and fruity aroma of the tobacco, which is key to forming the caramel flavor and balancing the bitterness of the tobacco. Mushroom alcohol provides an earthy or mushroom note, adding a naturalness and depth to the tobacco flavor, making the tobacco phase richer and more complex. Octanal provides a fresh and citrus note, thereby balancing the smoky flavor of the tobacco and making the tobacco aroma more vivid. Ethyl hexadecanoate provides a sweet and fruity note. They moderate and balance the bitterness and spiciness of tobacco, enhancing its sweet aroma. The combination of these three compounds enhances the aroma layering of tobacco, improving its overall flavor and making the smoke more harmonious, rich, and pleasant.
In conclusion, 2-methylpyrazine represents a multifaceted industrial chemical with significant applications across food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and research sectors. As a bulk 2-methylpyrazine manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine at wholesale prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.