Amyl mercaptan (1-pentanethiol) — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point
≈ 120 °C
Flash point
~ 30–40 °C (low)
Odour threshold
Extremely low (ppb)
Water solubility
Low; slight
Flammability
Low FP; vapours ignite
Toxicity
Irritant; headaches/nausea
Chronic risk
Sensitization/odor issues
Environmental
Odour/COD burden
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₅H₁₂S (a linear thiol; “amyl” = C₅ chain) |
| Molar mass | ≈ 104.2 g/mol |
| Physical state | Clear, very odorous liquid; vapours heavier than air. |
| Reactivity | Reduced sulfur (R–SH); oxidizes to disulfides/sulfonates; incompatible with strong oxidizers; forms sulfide/mercaptide salts with bases/metals. |
| Behaviour in gas streams | Low solubility → requires alkaline liquor plus oxidant for efficient removal; prone to odour complaints even at trace slip. |
| Best analytical detection | GC–PFPD (sulfur-selective) — very high sensitivity/selectivity for thiols; quantifies individual species down to ppb for compliance and troubleshooting. |
*Values are indicative; verify exact limits and physical data via current SDS/process data (“verify via SDS”).