Ethanethiol
Organosulfur compound
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Ethanethiol, also known as ethyl mercaptan and mercaptoethane, is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C_2H_6S. It is a colorless liquid with a strong and distinctive odor, often described as resembling that of rotten cabbage or garlic. Ethanethiol is commonly used as an odorant for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to aid in leak detection.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Ethanethiol is a thiol, which is a type of organic compound that contains a sulfhydryl group (-SH). It has a molecular weight of 62.13 g/mol and a density of 0.839 g/cm³. The compound has a boiling point of 35°C and a melting point of -148.5°C. It is slightly soluble in water and has a vapor pressure of 570 mmHg at 20°C.
Production[edit | edit source]
Ethanethiol can be produced by several methods, including the reaction of ethanol with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of an acid catalyst. Another method involves the reaction of ethyl chloride with sodium hydrosulfide.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The primary use of ethanethiol is as an odorant for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Because natural gas and LPG are odorless, ethanethiol is added to these gases to provide a detectable odor, which helps in identifying gas leaks. Ethanethiol is also used in the chemical industry as a building block for the synthesis of other compounds.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Ethanethiol is highly flammable and poses a risk of fire and explosion. It has a flash point of -45°C and an autoignition temperature of 295°C. The compound is also toxic if ingested, with an LD50 of 682 mg/kg in rats. Proper handling and storage are essential to ensure safety when working with ethanethiol.
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