How Do You Spell METHYLMERCAPTAN?

Pronunciation: [mˈiːθɪlmˌɜːkaptən] (IPA)

Methylmercaptan, a foul-smelling gas compound with the chemical formula CH3SH, can be a tricky word to spell due to its complex composition. The pronunciation of this word can be broken down into its phonetic transcription, /ˌmɛθ(ə)lˈmɜrkæptən/, which helps to explain its spelling. The combination of the "th" sound followed by "yl" and "me" creates an unusual combination of letters, while the "ercap" and "tan" sounds add to its complexity. However, familiarizing oneself with the word and its phonetic transcription can aid in spelling and pronunciation.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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METHYLMERCAPTAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Methylmercaptan is a noun that refers to a colorless gas with a powerful foul odor. It is composed of a methyl group (-CH3) attached to a mercaptan group (-SH). The chemical formula for methylmercaptan is CH3SH. It is soluble in water and is highly volatile, meaning that it easily vaporizes at room temperature.

    Methylmercaptan is primarily used as a volatile odorant in natural gas pipelines to provide an easily detectable scent in cases of gas leaks. Its strong, offensive smell, similar to that of rotten cabbage or rotten eggs, helps to alert individuals to the presence of natural gas, which is otherwise odorless and potentially dangerous. This characteristic odor makes it an essential compound for safety purposes.

    In addition to its applications in natural gas distribution, methylmercaptan can also be used as a chemical intermediate in the production of certain pesticides, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals. It can act as a reducing agent and is involved in various organic synthesis processes. Industrially, methylmercaptan can be produced through the reaction of methanol and hydrogen sulfide.

    Due to its pungent and overpowering odor and potential harmful effects, exposure to high levels of methylmercaptan can cause eye irritation, headache, nausea, and respiratory distress. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be implemented when handling or working with this compound.

  2. An intestinal gas arising from the decomposition of proteins.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METHYLMERCAPTAN

  • methylmercapvan
  • methylmercapuan
  • methylmercaptin
  • methylmercapten
  • methylmercaptcn
  • methylmercaptaf
  • methylmercaptal
  • methylmercaptao
  • m ethylmercaptan
  • me thylmercaptan
  • met hylmercaptan
  • meth ylmercaptan
  • methy lmercaptan
  • methyl mercaptan
  • methylm ercaptan
  • methylme rcaptan
  • methylmer captan
  • methylmerc aptan
  • methylmercapt an
  • methylmercapta n

Etymology of METHYLMERCAPTAN

The word "methylmercaptan" is derived from several components with their own etymology:

1. "Methyl": It comes from the Greek word "methy" meaning "wine" and the French word "méthylène" which refers to the methyl group (CH₃-) in organic chemistry. Both terms ultimately stem from the Latin word "methy" meaning "wine". This is because the first methyl compound, which was discovered in wine, was named "methylene".

2. "Mercaptan": The term "mercaptan" originates from the Latin words "mercurium captans", which means "capturing mercury". It was named so because the compound has a strong odor similar to that of mercury compounds and because it easily reacts with mercury.