| Chemical Properties |
colourless gas with a garlic-like or rotten cabbage-like smell |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Reacts with water, steam or acids to produce toxic, flammable vapors [Lewis]. |
| Reactivity Profile |
METHYL MERCAPTAN is a reducing agent--can react vigorously with oxidizing agents. Dangerous fire or explosion hazard when exposed to heat, flame, sparks or strong oxidizing agents (e.g., calcium hypochlorite). When heating to decomposition emits highly toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 862]. Violent reaction with mercury(II) oxide [Klason P., Ber., 1887, 20, p. 3410]. |
| Health Hazard |
Can cause death by respiratory paralysis. It is an eye and respiratory tract irritant. Exposure results in pulmonary edema and hepatic and renal damage. |
| Fire Hazard |
Combustion produces irritating sulfur dioxide. Flash back along vapor track may occur. Very dangerous when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. On decomposition METHYL MERCAPTAN emits highly toxic fumes of sulfur oxides. METHYL MERCAPTAN will react with water, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors; and can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Irritating sulfur dioxide is produced upon combustion. When heated to decomposition, METHYL MERCAPTAN emits highly toxic fumes and flammable vapors. Incompatible with mercuric oxide and oxidizing materials. Avoid direct sunlight, and areas of high fire hazards. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. |
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