Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Ethyl Mercaptan

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Ethyl Mercaptan, Ethanethiol, Ethyl Sulfhydrate, Mercaptoethane

UN Number

2363

Chemical Formula

CH₃CH₂SH

Hazards

Flammable liquid, skin/eye/respiratory irritant, toxic

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Dry chemical, CO₂ , ATC-AFFF

Decontamination

Flush skin/contact areas if exposed, soap and water

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, 4/5-gas, IP=9.29 eV, GCMS

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless liquid with skunk-like odor

Vapor Pressure

~442 mmHg

Boiling Point

~95^oF

Vapor Density

~2.14

Specific Gravity

~.84

Miscibility

Soluble in water

Flash Point

-55^oF

LEL/UEL

~2.6%/18%

Autoignition Temp

563^oF

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

500 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

.5 ppm / .5 ppm/ .5 ppm

LD50

682 mg/kg

LC50

11.23 mg/l

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Exposure by contact, inhalation, ingestion

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, eye damage, liver/kidney damage, CNS symptoms

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Reacts with oxidizers, catalysts, esp. sodium hypochlorite

Chemical Structure