ethanethiol

Ethanethiol, also called ethyl mercaptan, is the organosulfur compound with the formula CH3CH2SH. It is the simplest alkyl thiol and belongs to the mercaptans. Ethanethiol is typically a volatile liquid with a very strong, foul odor often described as rotten onions or cabbage. It is highly flammable and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

In nature and industry, ethanethiol occurs in trace amounts in some fermented foods and is produced by microbial breakdown of sulfur-containing amino acids. It is widely used as an odorant for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas to provide leak detection; mixtures containing ethyl mercaptan and other mercaptans are added to odorless gases. It also serves as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other sulfur-containing compounds.

Safety and handling: Ethanethiol is a volatile, flammable liquid with a very strong odor and can act as an irritant or sensitizer. It should be handled with appropriate ventilation, avoiding inhalation and contact with skin or eyes. Use in a fume hood when in the laboratory, and store in tightly closed containers away from oxidizers. Spills should be contained and ventilated, and disposal must follow applicable hazardous waste regulations.

Preparation: In the laboratory, ethanethiol can be prepared by converting an alkyl halide to the corresponding thiol, for example via reaction of an ethyl halide with thiourea followed by hydrolysis. Industrially, it is produced by thiolation or hydrothiolation routes from ethene or ethanol derivatives, then purified as needed.