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Methanethiol chemical structure, CH4S, CAS 74-93-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Water-white liquid when below boiling point, or colorless gas
Melting point
-123 °C
Boiling point
6 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Flash point
-17.8 °C
HS code
293090
Category
Fungicides
UN number
UN 1064
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in a volumetric flask on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Methanethiol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

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

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methanethiol
CAS number
74-93-1 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 17719-48-1
EC number
200-822-1
Molecular formula
CH4S
UNII
2X8406WW9I
InChIKey
LSDPWZHWYPCBBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CH4S/c1-2/h2H,1H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CS

Synonyms

  • Methyl mercaptan
  • Methylmercaptan
  • Mercaptomethane
  • Thiomethanol
  • Thiomethyl alcohol
  • Methvtiolo
  • Metilmercaptano
  • Methylmercaptaan
  • Mercaptan methylique
  • Methaanthiol
  • RCRA waste number U153
  • methanethiolate
  • Methyl sulfhydrate
  • Methanthiol
  • Thiomethane
  • Methyl thioalcohol
  • Methanethiole
  • methyl-mercaptan
  • MeSH
  • UN 1064
  • Methyl mercaptan (natural)
  • RCRA waste no. U153
  • methane thiol
  • methyl sulfides
  • methyl thiol
Show all 31 synonyms
  • methyl-thiol
  • (methyl)sulfane
  • Methylthioalcohol
  • a methyl thioether
  • sulfonium methylide
  • Methanethiol, purum

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Water-white liquid when below boiling point, or colorless gasexp.
Odour
Odor of rotten cabbageexp.
Taste
Unpleasant cabbage tasteexp.
Melting point
-123 °Cexp.
Boiling point
6 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9exp.
Flash point
-17.8 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 15,400 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1,510 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
48.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
48.0034 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.55calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
2calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS04: Gas under pressure
Gas under pressure
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
441NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H220Extremely flammable gas.
  • H331Toxic if inhaled.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (17)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P222Do not allow contact with air.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P377Leaking gas fire: do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
  • P381In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1064
Transport hazard class
2.3

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Methanethiol suppliers

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Methanethiol price

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Used to give odor to natural gas. Methyl mercaptan has been reported to no longer be acceptable as an odorant for natural gas, but still has found similar use in certain odorless and hazardous gases.

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (FEMA, 1994) [Table#2199].

Catalyst.

Intermediate in manufacture of jet fuels, pesticides, fungicides, plastics, synthesis of methionine.

Industrial uses: Intermediate, pH regulating agent.

Use classes: Volatile organic compounds.

Roles

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
  • animal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • fungal metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

How it is made

The reaction of hydrogen sulfide with alcohols is used mainly for industrial syntheses of low molecular mass thiols. Such reactions are carried out in the gas phase >300 °C, and generally require a catalyst. The thorium oxide once used for this purpose has now largely been replaced by basic catalysts on a carrier of basic aluminum oxide. These catalysts favor thiol formation, whereas disulfides are the main products in acidic medium. Promoters for thiol formation include a range of metal oxides, potassium and sodium tungstates, and heteropolyacids and their salts.

Read more

Thioethers and ethers may form as byproducts, along with olefins (except in the case of methanol). The method ... is used mainly for the industrial production of methanethiol.

Methyl mercaptan has been produced commercially via methanol condensation with hydrogen sulfide.

Prepared from sodium methyl sulfate and KHS (potassium hydrosulfide) ... catalytically from methanol and hydrogen sulfide, ... from methyl chloride and sodium hydrosulfide.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 016-021-00-3

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Section 4 test rule or order

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Methanethiol is traded under.

HS 2930.90Indicative HS code

Organo-sulphur compounds, other

World exports in 2024
$5.83B
+0.1% vs 2023, imports $5.93B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China40.7%
  2. United States10.9%
  3. Japan9.3%
Top importers
  1. United States13.3%
  2. Brazil12.6%
  3. China6.6%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Methanethiol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Methanethiol, based on the data on this page

What is Methanethiol?

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

What is the CAS number of Methanethiol?

The CAS registry number of Methanethiol is 74-93-1. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 17719-48-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Methanethiol?

The molecular formula of Methanethiol is CH4S and its molar mass is 48.11 g/mol.

What is Methanethiol used for?

Used to give odor to natural gas. Methyl mercaptan has been reported to no longer be acceptable as an odorant for natural gas, but still has found similar use in certain odorless and hazardous gases. Table: Reported uses (ppm): (FEMA, 1994) [Table#2199]. Catalyst.

Is Methanethiol hazardous?

Methanethiol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable gas, toxic if inhaled, very toxic to aquatic life. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Methanethiol?

Methanethiol is usually classified under HS code 293090 (Organo-sulphur compounds, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Methanethiol?

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Where can I buy Methanethiol in India?

4 suppliers in India list Methanethiol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Methanethiol?

Suppliers quote Methanethiol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Methanethiol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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