etyylimerkaptaania

Etyyli merkaptaania, known in English as ethyl mercaptan or ethanethiol, is an organosulfur compound with the formula C2H6S (CH3CH2SH). It is a volatile, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature and has a very strong, distinctive odor. The compound is highly flammable and has a low odor threshold, meaning it can be detected at extremely small concentrations.

Production and occurrence

Ethyl mercaptan is produced industrially by methods used for alkyl mercaptans, most commonly via the thiourea route. In this process an ethyl halide (for example ethyl chloride) reacts with thiourea to form an alkyl isothiouronium salt, which is hydrolyzed to yield ethanethiol. It can also be produced or obtained as a byproduct in other sulfur-containing chemical syntheses. Ethyl mercaptan is not typically found in nature in significant quantities.

Properties

Ethyl mercaptan is a relatively volatile, low-boiling thiol with an odor threshold that makes it a practical odorant at very low concentrations. It is soluble to a limited extent in water and more soluble in organic solvents. The compound is flammable and poses health hazards if inhaled or ingested; it can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. In the environment, it can be degraded biologically and may form disulfides under oxidizing conditions.

Uses

The primary use of ethyl mercaptan is as an odorant added to natural gas and other odorless fuels to provide a detectable smell for leak detection. It also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of other sulfur-containing compounds and organic materials.

Safety and handling

Ethyl mercaptan should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from sources of ignition. Proper ventilation, respiratory protection, and personal protective equipment are recommended when handling the substance.