Food safety and quality: details

Flavouring	Methyl mercaptan
Synonym(s)	Methanethiol;Mercaptomethane;Methyl sulfhydrate;Thiomethyl alcohol
Latest JECFA evaluation	2000 (Session 55)
Status of specification	Full
Information required
Chemical name	Methanethiol
JECFA number	508
CAS number	74-93-1
FEMA number	2716
COE number	475
FLAVIS number
Molecular weight	48.1
Chemical formula	C1H4S
Physical form/odour	clear liquid (at <6°C) or colourless gas with odour of rotten cabbage or garlic
Solubility	2.4 g/100 ml water; soluble in alcohol, ether, organic solvents
Solubility in ethanol
Boiling point (°C)	5.9-6.0°
Assay min %	95%
Acid value max	1
Refractive index	1.430-1.436 (gas); 0.894 (liquid)
Specific gravity	0.862-0.894 (gas); 1.032-1.040 (liquid)
Other requirements
ID Test	IR, MS
Spectrum