Overview
5-Ethyl-2-methylpyridine (CAS 104-90-5 ), commercially 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.
It also carries FEMA 3546 status, recognizing its role as a flavoring agent in food applications. MEP is a primary raw material in the industrial production of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.
In these processes, it undergoes catalytic oxidation at scale. In agrochemical manufacturing, it serves as a precursor to active ingredients in herbicide and pesticide formulations for global distribution.
Food and beverage producers use it as a flavoring agent to impart roasted, nutty, or popcorn-like notes in processed products at permitted use levels. It is highly valued for its specific profile.
Fragrance formulators incorporate it into compositions targeting savory or tobacco-adjacent scent profiles. 5-Ethyl-2-picoline is supplied as a liquid, typically in drums or ISO tank containers for bulk orders.
Technical grade is the standard commercial specification, with purity levels commonly at 98% or higher by GC. Food-grade material meeting FEMA compliance is available for flavor and fragrance applications.
These materials are produced to meet rigorous quality standards for industrial use. Our logistics network ensures that all shipments of this intermediate arrive safely and meet your specific production requirements.
Contact us for supply of 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine
Physical Properties
| 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℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H227 Combustible liquid H302 Harmful if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H331 Toxic if inhaled H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H371 May cause damage to organs H402 Harmful to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects H311+H331 Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled. 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. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| 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 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 104-90-5
- EC Number
- 203-250-0
- Mol. Weight
- 121.18
- HS Code
- 29333990
- Category
- Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors