Ethyl mercaptan
ShareCompartir
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethanethiol, Ethyl sulfhydrate, MercaptoethaneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 0.5 ppm (1.3 mg/m3) [15-minute]OSHA PEL
C 10 ppm (25 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a strong, skunk-like odor. [Note: A gas above 95°F.]Molecular Weight
62.1Boiling Point
95°FFreezing Point
-228°FSolubility
0.7%Vapor Pressure
442 mmHgIonization Potential
9.29 eVSpecific Gravity
0.84Flash Point
-55°FUpper Exposive Limit
18.0%Lower Explosive Limit
2.8%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers [Note: Reacts violently with calcium hypochlorite.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation mucous membrane; headache, nausea; In Animals: incoordination, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); liver, kidney damage; cyanosis; narcosisTarget Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, bloodPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 5 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 12.5 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)
Up to 25 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division