Product Introduction
Ethanethiol (CAS 75-08-1), commonly known as Ethyl Mercaptan, is a volatile organosulfur compound with a notorious, skunk-like odor. It is a colorless, transparent liquid that is extremely flammable. In the industrial sector, it is most famous for its role as a “stench gas” or warning agent added to otherwise odorless fuels like LPG and natural gas to enable leak detection. Beyond its use as an odorant, it is a versatile building block in the synthesis of plastics, insecticides, and antioxidants.
Product Selling Points
1. Extremely Low Odor Threshold
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Advantage: Detectable by the human nose at concentrations as low as 1 part in billions.
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Benefit: Safety Assurance: Provides an unmistakable warning signal for gas leaks, preventing potential explosions and ensuring public safety in residential and industrial environments.
2. High Chemical Reactivity
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Advantage: Acts as a powerful nucleophile in organic reactions, especially in the presence of bases.
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Benefit: Versatile Intermediate: Simplifies the synthesis of complex organic sulfides, sulfones, and agricultural chemicals, reducing production steps.
3. Superior Purity and Consistency
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Advantage: Maintained at ≥ 99.0% assay with minimal moisture and heavy metal impurities.
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Benefit: Reliable Performance: Ensures stable performance in sensitive catalytic processes and prevents equipment corrosion caused by impurities.
Applications
Gas Odorization
Used as a warning agent added to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and butane to provide a distinct smell for leak detection.
Agrochemical Synthesis
Serves as a key intermediate in the production of various pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Utilized as a reagent or intermediate in the synthesis of sulfur-containing pharmaceutical compounds and stabilizers.
Adhesive & Polymer Stabilizer
Acts as a stabilizer for certain types of adhesives and a chain transfer agent in polymer chemistry to control molecular weight.
Packaging & Storage
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Packaging: 150kg or 180kg UN-certified steel drums; ISO tanks for bulk shipment.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and extremely well-ventilated explosion-proof warehouse. Crucial: Keep away from fire, sparks, and heat sources. Containers must be hermetically sealed and stored under nitrogen to prevent oxidation and odor leakage.
Synonyms
Ethyl Mercaptan; EtSH; Ethyl hydrosulfide; Mercaptoethane; Thioethanol; Ethyl thioalcohol.
Matching Materials
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Ethylene (CAS 74-85-1) —— Raw material for Ethanethiol production via hydro-sulfurization
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Hydrogen Sulfide (CAS 7783-06-4) —— Reactant used in the commercial synthesis of thiols
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Alumina Catalyst (CAS 1344-28-1) —— Catalyst used in the ethanol-to-ethanethiol process
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Sodium Hydroxide (CAS 1310-73-2) —— Used to generate the nucleophilic sodium ethanethiolate salt
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Dimethylformamide (DMF) (CAS 68-12-2) —— Solvent for reactions involving ethanethiolate salts
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Hydrogen Peroxide (CAS 7722-84-1) —— Oxidant used to convert ethanethiol to diethyl disulfide
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (CAS 68476-85-7) —— Final product for which Ethanethiol serves as an odorant
FAQ
Q: Is Ethanethiol toxic at the levels used in natural gas?
A: No. At the very low concentrations added to gas for odorization, it is considered non-toxic to humans, though it is highly toxic in its concentrated pure form.
Q: How should a leak of concentrated Ethanethiol be handled?
A: Use oxidizing agents like household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to neutralize the odor and convert the thiol into a non-volatile sulfonate or disulfide.
Q: Can Ethanethiol be stored in standard plastic containers?
A: No. It is a highly flammable solvent and can permeate through many plastics, causing an intense odor. UN-certified steel drums are mandatory.
Q: What is the primary cause of product degradation?
A: Exposure to air (oxygen) will cause Ethanethiol to slowly oxidize into diethyl disulfide, which may cloud the liquid and alter its reactivity.
Q: Is Ethanethiol restricted for air transport?
A: Yes. It is classified as UN 2363, Class 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group I. It is generally forbidden on passenger aircraft and strictly regulated on cargo planes.
