What Is Ethanethiol?
Ethanethiol is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C2H6S.
Its molecular weight is 62.14. Its density in the liquid state is 0.86 g/cm3. Its structure is such that one hydrogen of ethane is replaced by a thiol group.
Ethanethiol is also known as ethyl mercaptan or ethyl thioalcohol. Ethanethiol has a melting point and boiling point of -144 °C and 35 °C, respectively. Therefore, it exists as a liquid at room temperature.
| Chemical Formula | C2H6S or C2zH5SH |
| English Name | Ethanethiol |
| Molecular Weight | 62.14 |
| Melting Point | -144.4°C |
Uses of Ethanethiol
1. City Gas
Ethanethiol can be added to city gas to give it an odor. Ethanethiol has a bad odor similar to that of onions or chives, making it easy to detect in the event of a gas leak. It was discovered that humans can detect the odor of ethanethiol, leading to its use as an odorant in gas.
2. Organic Synthesis
Ethanethiol is also used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It has a very reactive thiol group and can be used to synthesize compounds with sulfide or thioester structures. However, its high reactivity may cause side reactions, requiring precautions such as the use of protecting groups.
Properties of Ethanethiol
Ethanethiol is colorless and has a very strong pungent odor, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most odorous compound. It can be obtained by reacting potassium ethyl sulfate with potassium hydrogen sulfide or by reacting haloethane with potassium hydrogen sulfide.
Other Information About Ethanethiol
1. Hazards of Ethanethiol
Ethanethiol is extremely flammable and toxic if inhaled. It is classified as a “Class 4 Hazardous Substance, Special Inflammable Substance” under the Fire Service Law, requiring careful handling and storage away from heat sources. Protective clothing and eyewear are necessary to prevent skin and eye irritation.
2. Properties of 1,1-Ethanedithiol
1,1-Ethanedithiol is a compound similar to ethanethiol but with an additional thiol group. It also has a strong odor and is found in durian, the “king of fruits.” To identify it, dichloromethane is used to dissolve organic matter in durian pulp, followed by dehydration with sodium sulfate and distillation at 40°C for volatile odor compounds analysis by gas chromatography.