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Chemical Datasheet

METHYL MERCAPTAN

2.3 - Poisonous gas 2.1 - Flammable gas

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 74-93-1   (METHYL MERCAPTAN)
  • 1064
  • Poison Gas
  • Flammable Gas
  • MMC
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Methyl mercaptan
  • METHYL MERCAPTAN
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
4 1
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 1 Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A colorless low-boiling liquid that is denser than water. Very toxic by inhalation. Can be absorbed through the skin. Has a sharp odor, but the sense of smell cannot be relied upon to warn of the presence of vapors at low concentrations.

Rate of onset: Immediate

Persistence: Minutes to hours

Odor threshold: 0.002 ppm

Source/use/other hazard: From decayed organic matter - pulp mills, oil refineries; highly flammable; liquid burns/frostbite.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Reacts with water, steam or acids to produce toxic, flammable vapors [Lewis].
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 it emits highly toxic fumes of sulfur oxides. It 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, it 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. (EPA, 1998)
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. (EPA, 1998)
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].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 117 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1064 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Evacuate area endangered by gas. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

Small fires: let burn unless leak can be stopped immediately. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Cool container with water using unmanned device until well after fire is out. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Preferably let fire burn, stop gas flow. Fires may be extinguished with dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 117 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Consider igniting spill or leak to eliminate toxic gas concerns. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methyl mercaptan:

Skin:
• PREVENT SKIN CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
• FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Eyes:
• PREVENT EYE CONTACT (LIQUID) - If this chemical is in liquid form, wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
• FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH (LIQUID) - Eyewash fountains should be provided (when this chemical is in liquid form) in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH (LIQUID) - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when this chemical is in liquid form) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]
• FROSTBITE WASH - Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating. (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Methanethiol 74-93-1 Vapor >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
Methyl mercaptan 74-93-1 Vapor >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Methyl Mercaptan Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to methyl mercaptan may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness and burning in the chest, pulmonary edema, respiratory distress, respiratory paralysis, and respiratory failure/collapse. Headache, loss of the sense of smell, dizziness, staggering gait, and heightened emotions may occur. Memory loss, damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, tremor, convulsions, and coma may also occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms include difficulty swallowing, redness of the tongue and pharynx, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Urinary disturbances may also be found. Methyl mercaptan may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl mercaptan may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl mercaptan.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to methyl mercaptan.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Vomiting may be induced with syrup of Ipecac. If elapsed time since ingestion of methyl mercaptan is unknown or suspected to be greater than 30 minutes, do not induce vomiting and proceed to Step
4. Ipecac should not be administered to children under 6 months of age.Warning: Ingestion of methyl mercaptan may result in sudden onset of seizures or loss of consciousness. Syrup of Ipecac should be administered only if victims are alert, have an active gag-reflex, and show no signs of impending seizure or coma. If ANY uncertainty exists, proceed to Step
4.The following dosages of Ipecac are recommended: children up to 1 year old, 10 mL (1/3 oz); children 1 to 12 years old, 15 mL (1/2 oz); adults, 30 mL (1 oz). Ambulate (walk) the victims and give large quantities of water. If vomiting has not occurred after 15 minutes, Ipecac may be readministered. Continue to ambulate and give water to the victims. If vomiting has not occurred within 15 minutes after second administration of Ipecac, administer activated charcoal.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • CH3SH
Flash Point: 0°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 3.9 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 21.8 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: -189.4°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 1 to 400 mmHg at -131.26 to 44.24 °F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 1.66 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 0.892 at 42.8°F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 42.7°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 48.11 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: 2 % (NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 9.44 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 150 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Methyl mercaptan (74-93-1)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 40 ppm 120 ppm
30 minutes NR 29 ppm 86 ppm
60 minutes NR 23 ppm 68 ppm
4 hours NR 14 ppm 43 ppm
8 hours NR 7.3 ppm 22 ppm
NR = Not Recommended due to insufficient data
Level of Odor Awareness is 1.9 ppb
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Methyl Mercaptan (74-93-1) 0.002 ppm star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1. 30 ppm 100 ppm
star-in-circle icon indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Methyl mercaptan (74-93-1) 0.005 ppm 23 ppm 68 ppm LEL = 39000 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Methanethiol 74-93-1 500 pounds 100 pounds 100 pounds X U153 10000 pounds
Methyl mercaptan 74-93-1 500 pounds 100 pounds 100 pounds 313s U153 10000 pounds
Thiomethanol 74-93-1 500 pounds 100 pounds 100 pounds X U153 10000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Methyl mercaptan; [Methanethiol] 74-93-1 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable 45.00 % 500 pounds WME

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Methyl Mercaptan 74-93-1 5000 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

Alternate Chemical Names