M

Methanethiol

IUPAC: methanethiol

CH4S Organic Compounds CAS 74-93-1
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationCH4S
CAS Number74-93-1
Molecular Weight48.11
Melting Point-189.4 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point42.7 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.892 at 42.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility2 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceMethyl mercaptan appears as a colorless low-boiling liquid that is denser than water. Very toxic by inhalation. Can be absorbed through the skin. Has a sharp odor, but the sense of smell cannot be ...
Also Known AsMETHYL MERCAPTAN; Methylmercaptan; Mercaptomethane; Thiomethanol; 74-93-1; Thiomethyl alcohol; Methvtiolo; Metilmercaptano; Methylmercaptaan; Mercaptan methylique
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Methanethiol?

Methanethiol is an alkanethiol. It has a role as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and a human metabolite.

Formula & Notation

CH4S

IUPAC Name: methanethiol

Other Names / Synonyms: METHYL MERCAPTAN; Methylmercaptan; Mercaptomethane; Thiomethanol; 74-93-1; Thiomethyl alcohol; Methvtiolo; Metilmercaptano; Methylmercaptaan; Mercaptan methylique

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Methyl mercaptan appears as a colorless low-boiling liquid that is denser than water. Very toxic by inhalation. Can be absorbed through the skin. Has a sharp odor, but the sense of smell cannot be .... Molecular formula: CH4S. Molecular weight: 48.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 42.7 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -189.4 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 0.892 at 42.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 2 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 1 to 400 mmHg at -131.26 to 44.24 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 0.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-189.4 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point42.7 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density0.892 at 42.8 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight48.11
Solubility2 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceMethyl mercaptan appears as a colorless low-boiling liquid that is denser than water. Very toxic by inhalation. Can be absorbed through the skin. Has a sharp odor, but the sense of smell cannot be ...

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 Methanethiol
Formula CH4S
CAS Number 74-93-1
Molecular Weight 48.11
Synonyms METHYL MERCAPTAN; Methylmercaptan; Mercaptomethane; Thiomethanol; 74-93-1; Thiomethyl alcohol; Methvtiolo; Metilmercaptano; Methylmercaptaan; Mercaptan methylique

Frequently Asked Questions

Methanethiol is an alkanethiol. It has a role as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and a human metabolite.

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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.