Tetramethylpyrazine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tetramethylpyrazine |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Tetramethylpyrazine
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| Other names | Ligustrazine; Tetrapyrazine |
| Identifiers | |
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| PubChem | |
| EC number | 214-391-2 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:133246 |
| SMILES | CC1=C(N=C(C(=N1)C)C)C |
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InChI
InChI=1S/C8H12N2/c1-5-6(2)10-8(4)7(3)9-5/h1-4H3
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Melting point | |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Tetramethylpyrazine, also known as ligustrazine, is a special chemical compound. It helps give certain foods their unique smell and taste. You can find it in fermented foods like nattō and cocoa beans.
What is Tetramethylpyrazine?
Tetramethylpyrazine is a type of chemical called an alkylpyrazine. When it is made very pure, it looks like a clear, colorless solid. It does not have any color.
Where Can You Find It?
This chemical is found in several interesting places. It is in nattō, which is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is also found in fermented cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate.
Scientists also found tetramethylpyrazine in a sourdough starter. A sourdough starter is a mix of flour and water used to make sourdough bread. In one study, it was the main chemical smell found in the starter.
How is it Made?
Tetramethylpyrazine is made naturally through a process called biosynthesis. This means living things create it. It starts with a chemical called acetoin. Acetoin then changes into tetramethylpyrazine. Acetoin itself comes from another chemical called pyruvate.
What Does it Do?
Scientists have studied tetramethylpyrazine to see what effects it might have. In studies with rats, it showed some interesting activities. It seemed to help with brain function and also acted as an anti-inflammatory. This means it might help reduce swelling and pain. More research is needed to understand these effects fully.
