Flavors & Fragrances
REACH
5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine
CAS Number
104-90-5
EC Number
203-250-0
FEMA Number
FEMA 3546
Abbreviation
MEP
What is 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine?
5-Ethyl-2-methylpyridine (CAS 104-90-5), also known as 5-ethyl-2-picoline or MEP, is a pyridine-base intermediate used as a building block in the synthesis of vitamins, agrochemicals, and pharmaceutical compounds. FEMA 3546.
Where is 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine used?
- Vitamin production: primary raw material for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, undergoing catalytic oxidation at scale
- Agrochemicals: precursor to active ingredients in herbicide and pesticide formulations
- Food and beverage: flavoring agent imparting roasted, nutty, or popcorn-like notes at permitted use levels
- Fragrance formulators incorporate it into compositions targeting savory or tobacco-adjacent scent profiles.
Good to know: Technical grade is the standard commercial specification; food-grade material meeting FEMA compliance is available for flavor and fragrance applications.
Commercial specifications
- Purity commonly 98% or higher by GC
- Liquid, typically in drums or ISO tank containers for bulk orders
Other Names (Synonyms)
5-Ethyl-2-picoline|2-METHYL-5-ETHYLPYRIDINE|Pyridine, 5-ethyl-2-methyl-|2-Picoline, 5-ethyl-|5-Ethyl-alpha-picoline|5-Ethyl-α-picoline|MEP
What are the physical properties of 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine?
Melting Point -70.9 °C
Boiling Point 177.8 °C @ Press: 747 Torr
Density 0.9184 g/cm³ @ Temp: 23 °C
Flash Point 151 °F
Appearance 2-Methyl-5-ethyl pyridine is a colorless liquid with a sharp, aromatic odor.
Color Colorless to Light orange to Yellow
Odor at 0.10 % in propylene glycol. nutty strong raw potato roasted earthy
Form clear liquid
Water Solubility practically insoluble
Vapor Pressure 1.853hPa at 20℃
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.497(lit.)
Log P 2.1 at 22℃
How is 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H227 Combustible liquid
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine?
HS Code 29333990
UN Number 2300
ADR Class 6.1
Packing Group III
Storage Class 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3
toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
WGK (Germany) 3