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Methyl Mercaptan

Chemical Formula: CH₄S

Other names: methane thiol, methyl thioalcohol, mercaptomethane, thiomethanol, methanethiol-SD, methyl sulfhydrate

Layman's explanation: Methyl Mercaptan (also known as methane thiol, methyl thioalcohol, mercaptomethane, thiomethanol, methanethiol-SD, methyl sulfhydrate) is a colorless, flammable volatile sulfur compound responsible for rotten cabbage or burnt rubber aroma that can be even more pungent and offensive than H2S. It is found in the blood, brain, and other tissues of humans and other animals, and it is released from animal feces and occurs naturally in certain foods such as nuts and cheeses. The formation of methyl mercaptan is the most common sulfide problem in post-fermentation of wines. Despite of the repulsive smell methyl mercaptan is used as a gas odorant. Also it is used as an intermediate in the production of fungicides, jet fuels additives, flavoring agent, and plastics as well in the synthesis of methionines, and as a catalyst.

Keywords: flavor, post-fermentation

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