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Methylpyrazine

2-methyl pyrazine is an AWA odorant.

Chemical Formula: C₅H₆N₂

Layman's explanation: 2-methylpyrazine has been used as a food additive due to its nutty aroma. It has also been declared to smell like potato, cocoa, and to give a musty scent. The measured odor detection threshold of this compound in water is 60,000ppb. 2-methylpyrazine is used as an AWA odorant in experiments with worms because it causes a more rapid adaptation of the neurons than any other odorants. These studies focus on the olfactory plasticity in C. elegans. AWA is an amphid sensory neuron which detects certain odors. 2-methyl pyrazine is also one of the 599 additives in cigarettes as well as an odorant in popcorn.

Keywords: odorous, sensory neuron

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