Ethanethiol, also known as ethyl mercaptan, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor often compared to that of rotten cabbage. It is a simple thiol, containing a sulfur atom bonded to an ethyl group. Ethanethiol is primarily used as an odorant for natural gas, helping to detect leaks due to its strong smell. In addition to its role in natural gas, ethanethiol is used in the production of various chemicals and as a reagent in organic synthesis. Its distinctive odor makes it useful in laboratories and industrial settings for safety purposes, ensuring that any gas leaks can be quickly identified.