C2H6S, commonly known as ethyl mercaptan, is a colorless gas with a strong odor resembling rotten cabbage. It is composed of two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one sulfur atom. Ethyl mercaptan is primarily used as an odorant in natural gas to help detect leaks, as natural gas is odorless. In addition to its role in gas safety, C2H6S is also utilized in the production of various chemicals and as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Its distinct smell makes it useful in research and industrial applications, where it can serve as a marker for certain processes.