2007-12-19 08:29:41 · 7 answers · asked by tony g 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Thiols or mercaptans, especially low molecular weight types, exhibit extremely low odor limits.
These products are added to natural gas as odorants to enable quick detection of the tiniest gas leaks in a network. The smell of thiols is generally associated with natural gas, resulting in panic waves amongst local inhabitants whenever thiol losses to the environment occur.
hope this helps:-)
2007-12-19 08:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I commend you for knowing that natural gas itself does not have an odor. I feel hunting down and shaking authors and screenwriters who say that it does in their books and scripts.
At least in some places the additive is mercaptan, or methane thiol. This is CH3SH. Thiols typically smell horrible.
2007-12-19 08:35:38 · answer #2 · answered by Beetle in a Box 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually some volatile derivative of caprolactic acid.
Smells like a sweaty goat.
2007-12-19 08:32:41 · answer #3 · answered by The_Doc_Man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a sulfur compound called Mercaptan
2007-12-19 08:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by science teacher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hydrogen sulfide, rotten egg smell. That way, if there is a leak, good chances someone will smell it.
2007-12-19 08:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by Gary H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hydrogen sulfide
2007-12-19 09:04:17 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Eddie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
t-butyl mercaptan
2007-12-19 08:33:31 · answer #7 · answered by marbledog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋