Methanethiol

Methanethiol

Methanethiol (also known as methyl mercaptan) is a colorless gas with a smell like rotten cabbage. It is a natural substance found in the blood and brain of humans and animals, as well as in plant tissues. It is also the substance responsible for the smell of bad breath and flatulence. Methanethiol is often used in gas leak detectors because its smell is detectable at low levels.

Chemical Properties

Methanethiol is a weak acid. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is not stable in air, where it oxidizes to form disulfides. Methanethiol burns in oxygen to produce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and water.

Biological Role

In the body, methanethiol is produced from methionine, an essential amino acid. It is one of the main chemicals responsible for bad breath and the smell of flatus. Methanethiol is also a by-product of the metabolism of certain bacteria in the gut.

Industrial Uses

Methanethiol is used in the plastics industry and in the manufacture of pesticides. It is also used as a gas odorant, since its strong smell allows it to be easily detected.

Safety

Exposure to methanethiol can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It can also cause headache, dizziness, and nausea.

See Also

• Thiol
• Methionine
• Sulfur dioxide