Increasing applications of ethyl mercaptan in various end-use industries are expected to boost demand for ethyl mercaptan, driving the growth of the ethyl mercaptan market. Ethanethiol, also known as, ethyl mercaptan is widely used as an intermediate to manufacture antioxidants, insecticides, plastic, and as an odorant to serve as a warning property for natural gas. In the Guinness Book of World Records (2000), Ethyl mercaptan was recognized as the world’s stinkiest substance. It is a colorless, toxic liquid with a distinct odor. It occurs naturally as a minor component of petroleum and can be added to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help warn of gas leaks. Moreover, it is also used as an additive to odorless gases, such as butane, propane, and petroleum to give them a warning odor.
Ethanethiol can be easily ignited; when heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes and flammable vapors. It is also used as a binder stabilizer. For example, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC produced ethyl mercaptan, for use as an ink and dye additive that is effective in digital image processing. Moreover, Chevron Phillips expanded its Tessenderlo, Belgium plant by debottlenecking its production unit for Tetrahydrothiophene (THT) and Ethyl Mercaptan. This expansion increased production capacity for these products by around 65%. This in turn is also expected to boost the growth of the ethyl mercaptan market.
Moreover, the growth of the ethyl mercaptan market is driven by the increasing application of ethyl mercaptan as a warning agent. Ethyl mercaptan, in the underground mining industry, is referred to as stench gas. Furthermore, to alert mine workers, stench gas is released into mine ventilation systems during an emergency. For example, according to the Ontario, mining legislation, in an underground mine, the alarm system must contain sufficient amounts of ethyl mercaptan gas or similar gas so that it can be easily detected by all workers. Thus in turn is also expected to increase the demand for ethyl mercaptan.
However, a major factor hampering the growth of the ethyl mercaptan market is its toxicity. Overexposure and concentration of ethanethiol should be prevented or carefully controlled, as it is a central nervous system stimulant and also a strong odor-causing chemical. For example, in March 2021, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a safety advisory to fire departments concerning fading odorants during natural gas and propane leaks. According to NIOSH, the two most common odorants are methyl mercaptan (for natural gas) and ethyl mercaptan (for propane and n-butane).