Overview

Methyl mercaptan (METH-uhl mer-KAP-tan) is a colorless, highly flammable, foul-smelling gas with the odor of rotten cabbage released from decaying animal and vegetable matter. It is also produced in the intestinal tract by the action of bacteria on a variety of proteins known as the albumins.

Methyl mercaptan belongs to a class of organic compounds called mercaptans or thiols in which one or more sulfhydryl (-SH) groups are attached to a carbon atom. Methyl mercaptan has only one carbon atom, but some mercaptans contain up to twenty carbon atoms. Like methyl mercaptan, other mercaptan compounds are known for their disagreeable odors. For example, allyl mercaptan has the characteristic smell of garlic, while butyl mercaptan occurs in the spray that skunks release to protect themselves from predators.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Methanethiol; mercaptomethane; thiomethyl alcohol; methyl sulfhydrate

Formula:

CH₃SH

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, sulfur

Compound Type: