© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: N-Butanethiol Synonyms: 1-Butanethiol, n-Butyl mercaptan Molecular Formula: C4H10S CAS Number: 109-79-5 Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, offensive odor reminiscent of skunk spray Odor Threshold: Extremely low — at trace levels, the smell is unmistakable Common Uses: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, odorant for fuel gases
Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicity, skin and eye irritant Main Health Risks: Inhalation brings headache and nausea, high concentrations can knock you out; skin contact stings and can lead to redness or swelling; eye exposure stings and causes tearing Environmental Risk: Spill sends a nasty odor far and wide, small quantities pollute air and water, toxic to aquatic life Physical Hazards: Vapors catch fire easily, form explosive mixtures with air, vapor heavier than air so it settles and spreads silently
Chemical Component: N-Butanethiol — typically presented as a single-ingredient substance Purity: Commercial grades often exceed 95% Impurities: Trace organosulfur compounds may show up but often go undeclared
Inhalation: Move outside to fresh air, loosen clothing, seek help for persistent coughing, confusion, or dizziness Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes, wash with plenty of soap and water, look out for burns or blisters, get medical attention for persistent irritation Eye Contact: Wash eyes with gentle running water for several minutes, lift eyelids a few times, seek medical care for pain or vision trouble Ingestion: Get medical care, rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, don't drink fluids until a doctor gives the go-ahead
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide; water spray to cool tanks and prevent pressure buildup Special Hazards: Combustion releases toxic sulfur oxides, dense black smoke; high heat or flames send vapors into the air, risking flashback Protective Equipment: Firefighters should gear up with self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing Precautions: Evacuate people in the area, stay upwind, keep out of low-lying spaces
Personal Protection: Gloves, goggles, chemical-resistant suits, respirators in poor ventilation Environmental Precautions: Prevent discharge to drains or waterways, block vapors from settling in basements and sewers Spill Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools to absorb liquid with inert materials like sand, shovel into chemical waste containers, ventilate area, wash residues with plenty of water
Handling: Only open in well-ventilated spaces, avoid breathing vapors, keep away from sparks and ignition sources, ground containers to avoid static, wash hands after handling Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated rooms away from oxidizers and acids; label storage space with “Flammable” warnings, use explosion-proof equipment
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set limits in the low ppm range, reflecting hazardous effects at low concentrations Ventilation: Chemical fume hoods or strong mechanical exhausts bring down vapor concentrations indoors Personal Protection: Gloves resistant to chemicals, splash-proof goggles, flame-retardant overalls, full-face respirators in spills or enclosed spaces
Boiling Point: Around 98°C Melting Point: Slightly below -115°C Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature, responsible for quick vaporization and wide odor distribution Solubility: Limited in water; better in alcohols and ethers Flash Point: Close to 20°C, so it ignites easily Odor: Sharp, skunky and suffocating, with the potential to overwhelm the senses
Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions if kept away from air and light Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids and bases, forming flammable or toxic vapors Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burns to create sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases
Acute Toxicity: Inhalation of high concentrations can cause headaches, nausea, and even fainting; skin absorption can lead to irritation Chronic Effects: Limited evidence on long-term exposure, but regular contact likely damages skin and may harm liver function over time Carcinogenicity: Not classed as a known human carcinogen Sensitization: Risk of allergic reaction on repeated skin contact
Persistence and Degradability: Thioalcohols like this break down only slowly in water and soil Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, even at low concentrations Bioaccumulation: Low data, but strong odor and reactivity limit lasting buildup
Waste Treatment: Incineration in controlled settings suits this well, avoid dumping down drains Precautions: Use sealed, labeled containers, consult trained hazardous waste handlers Regulations: Local and national hazardous waste guidelines typically treat this as flammable and acutely toxic
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid UN Number: Recognized as hazardous under global transport codes Transport Concerns: Drums or containers need tight closures, leak-proof packaging, must keep away from oxidizers, acids, sources of heat Emergency Response: Ventilate worked spaces, keep fire extinguishers handy, train personnel for emergency spills or fires
Global Regulations: Recognized as dangerous goods under transport regulations; included in workplace exposure limits by OSHA and ACGIH; flagged for acute hazards in chemical safety legislation Workplace Labelling: Requires flammable liquid, toxic, and environmental hazard pictograms; comprehensive hazard training for staff Environmental Rules: Release into the environment, especially water, often triggers strict cleanup requirements
