Authorization for use of 2,6-Dimethylpyridine and 5 -Ethyl -2-methylpyridine  as food 
additives   
 
Purpose  and background  
This activity is to newly designate 2,6-Dimethylpyridine and 5 -Ethyl -2-methylpyridine  
as authorized food additives.  
Under Article 10 of th e Food Sanitation Law, food additives may be used  or marketed  
only when they are authorized  by the Minister of Health , Labour  and Welfare.  Where 
standards  for use of additives  and/or their compositional  specifications are established  
based on Article 11 of  the law, those additives may be used or marketed only when  they 
meet the  standards and/or specifications.   
 
In response to a request from the Minister, the Subcommittee on Food Additives under 
the Food Sanitation Committee which is established under the P harmaceutical Affairs 
and Food Sanitation Council has discussed the adequacy of  designation of the two 
substances , i.e. 2,6-Dimethylpyridine and 5 -Ethyl -2-methylpyridine , as food additives . 
Conclusion of the subcommittee is outlined  below.  
 
 
Outline of con clusion  
The Minister should designate  2,6-Dimethylpyridine and 5 -Ethyl -2-methylpyridine , 
based on  Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Law , as food additives unlikely to  harm 
human health , and establish compositional specifications and other necessary 
standa rds for the se substances , based on Article 11 of the law (see  Attachments 1 and 
2).  N CH3CH3 
Attachment 1 
 
2,6-Dimethylpyridine  
 
 
Standard for use  
It shall  not be used for purposes other than flavoring.  
 
Compositional specifications  
 
Substance name:   2,6-Dimethylpyridine  
Structural formula:  
 
 
 
Molecular formula : C7H9N 
Mol. Weight :  107.15  
Chemical name  [CAS number ]:   2,6-Dimethylpyridine [180-48-5] 
Content : 2,6-Dimethylpyridine  contains not less than 98.5% of 2,6-Dimethylpyridine  
(C7H9N).  
Descript ion:  2,6-Dimethylpyridine  occurs as a colorless, transparent liquid having a 
characteristic  odor.    
Identification :  Determine the infrared absorption spectrum of 2,6-Dimethylpyridine , 
as directed in the Liquid Film Me thod under Infrared Spectrophotometr y, and compare 
it with the Reference Spectrum.  Both spectra  exhibit absorption s having about the same 
intensity at the same wavenumbers . 
Purity :   
(1) Refractive index   n20
D: 1.495–1.501 . 
(2) Specific gravity   d
25
25: 0.917–0.923.  
Assay :  Proceed as directed in the Peak Area Percentage Method in the Gas 
Chromatographic Assay under the Flavor Substance Tests. Use operating conditions ( 2). Reference Spectrum  
 
2,6-Dimethylpyridine  
  
Attachment 2  
 
5-Ethyl -2-methyl pyridine  
 
 
Standard for use  
It shall  not be used for purposes other than flavoring.  
 
Compositional specifications  
 
Substance name:   5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine  
Structural formula:  
 
Molecular formula :  C8H11N 
Mol. Weight :  121.18  
Chemical name  [CAS number ]:   5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine [104-90-5] 
Content :  5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine  contains not less than 96. 5% of 
5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine  (C8H11N).  
Description :  5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine occurs as a colorless, transparent liquid having 
a characteristic  odor.    
Identification :  Determine the infrared absorption spectrum of 
5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine , as directed  in the Liquid Film Me thod under Infrared 
Spectrophotometry, and compare it with the Reference Spectrum.  Both spectra  exhibit 
absorption s having about the same intensity at the same wavenumbers . 
Purity :   
(1) Refractive index   n20
D: 1.495–1.502 . 
(2) Specific gravity   d
25
25: 0.917–0.923.  
Assay :  Proceed as directed in the Peak Area Percentage Method in the Gas 
Chromatographic Assay under the Flavor Substance Tests. Use operating conditions ( 1). Reference Spectru m 
 
5-Ethyl -2-methylpyridine