What is Methyl Mercaptan?
Methyl Mercaptan, also known as Methanethiol, is a volatile organic compound known as an organosulfur, because it contains sulfur. Methyl mercaptan is a member of a series of compounds, in which there can be chains of up to 20 carbon-atoms attached to sulfur. The chemical formula for methanethiol is CH3SH; it is classified as a thiol. It is colorless, highly flammable, and has a strong rotten-cabbage-like odor. It is a colorless, low-boiling liquid, that is denser than water. When inhaled, Methyl Mercaptan is very toxic, and the dangerous gas is often overlooked when in low concentrations. It can undergo steam reforming to hydrogen-rich gas over cerium oxide-coated rhodium or aluminum oxide catalyst via the solid-gas reaction, under certain operating conditions. This process has potential use in toxic-waste treatment, such as removal of methanethiol present in industrial-waste off-gas. Because it is derived from decaying organic matter, Methyl Mercaptan is a weak acid, and is reactive with dissolved metals, in aqueous solutions. [Read more…]