Methyl Mercaptan
CAS Number: 74-93-1
Methyl Mercaptan (CAS 74-93-1), also known as methanethiol, is a naturally occurring organosulfur thiol compound with an extremely powerful sulfurous, cooked cabbage, garlic, and cheese-like odor. At ultra-trace levels in complex food matrices, it contributes positively to the savory depth of certain cheeses, cooked meats, and fermented foods.
Technical Specifications
| appearance | Colorless gas or liquid under pressure |
| purity (%) | ≥99.0 |
| assay method | GC |
| boiling point | 5–6 °C |
Applications
- Trace flavor contributor in aged cheese and dairy product flavoring
- Savory depth enhancement in meat, onion, and garlic flavor systems
- Chemical intermediate for synthesis of methionine and other sulfur compounds
- Natural gas odorant additive for gas leak detection safety
- Agricultural chemical and pesticide synthesis intermediate
Key Features
- Ultra-low odor threshold (~ppb range) making it one of the most impact-efficient sulfur flavor chemicals
- Critical methionine synthesis precursor serving the amino acid industry
- Handled as liquefied pressurized gas requiring specialized storage and handling
- Used by expert flavorists at diluted concentrations for authentic savory food complexity