ethyl mercaptan

noun

, Chemistry.

1. mercaptan.

ethyl mercaptan

1. A colorless organic liquid that has a very strong odor. It is added to odorless fuel, such as natural gas, and fuel systems as a warning agent in the event of leakage or spills. Also called ethanethiol. Chemical formula: C 2 H 6 S.

Example Sentences

The CAA has also ordered the gas companies to add the pungent ethyl mercaptan to the gas cylinders to make it easier to smell gas leaks.

From Reuters

A few pools of ethyl mercaptan the size of the reservoir in the middle of Central Park could, if spread evenly throughout the atmosphere, make the entire planet smell like a gas leak.

From New York Times

Ethyl mercaptan, the stuff added to natural gas to make gas leaks easier to detect, has an odor detection threshold of just 1 or 2 micrograms per cubic meter.

From New York Times

Andeavor Logistics says a leak in a holding tank spilled an estimated 200 to 600 gallons of ethyl mercaptan Sunday at the Fryburg Rail Loading Facility.

From Washington Times

“Out here, this is the pure stuff, pure ethyl mercaptan.”

From Washington Times