E

Ethanethiol

IUPAC: ethanethiol

C2H6S Organic Compounds CAS 75-08-1
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H6S
CAS Number75-08-1
Molecular Weight62.14
Melting Point-234 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point93.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.826 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility0.7 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceEthyl mercaptan appears as a clear colorless low-boiling liquid (boiling point 97 °F) with an overpowering, garlic-like/skunk-like odor. Flash point -55 °F. Less dense than water and very slightl...
Also Known AsETHYL MERCAPTAN; 75-08-1; Mercaptoethane; Ethyl sulfhydrate; Thioethanol; Ethyl thioalcohol; Thioethyl alcohol; Ethyl hydrosulfide; Aethylmercaptan; Etilmercaptano
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Ethanethiol?

Ethanethiol is an alkanethiol that is ethane substituted by a thiol group at position 1. It is added to odorless gaseous products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a garlic scent which helps warn of gas leaks. It has a role as a rodenticide.

Formula & Notation

C2H6S

IUPAC Name: ethanethiol

Other Names / Synonyms: ETHYL MERCAPTAN; 75-08-1; Mercaptoethane; Ethyl sulfhydrate; Thioethanol; Ethyl thioalcohol; Thioethyl alcohol; Ethyl hydrosulfide; Aethylmercaptan; Etilmercaptano

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ethyl mercaptan appears as a clear colorless low-boiling liquid (boiling point 97 °F) with an overpowering, garlic-like/skunk-like odor. Flash point -55 °F. Less dense than water and very slightl.... Molecular formula: C2H6S. Molecular weight: 62.14 g/mol. Boiling point: 93.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: -234 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 0.826 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 0.7 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 442 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-234 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point93.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.826 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight62.14
Solubility0.7 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceEthyl mercaptan appears as a clear colorless low-boiling liquid (boiling point 97 °F) with an overpowering, garlic-like/skunk-like odor. Flash point -55 °F. Less dense than water and very slightl...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ethanethiol
Formula C2H6S
CAS Number 75-08-1
Molecular Weight 62.14
Synonyms ETHYL MERCAPTAN; 75-08-1; Mercaptoethane; Ethyl sulfhydrate; Thioethanol; Ethyl thioalcohol; Thioethyl alcohol; Ethyl hydrosulfide; Aethylmercaptan; Etilmercaptano

Frequently Asked Questions

Ethanethiol is an alkanethiol that is ethane substituted by a thiol group at position 1. It is added to odorless gaseous products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to provide a garlic scent which helps warn of gas leaks. It has a role as a rodenticide.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.