Methyl mercaptan is a colorless gas with a strong, unpleasant odor often described as similar to rotten cabbage. It is a simple organosulfur compound, chemically represented as CH₃SH. Methyl mercaptan is naturally produced by certain bacteria and is found in small amounts in some foods, such as cheese and onions. This compound is primarily used in the production of methionine, an essential amino acid for animal feed. Methyl mercaptan is also utilized in the manufacturing of various chemicals and as a warning agent in natural gas, as its strong smell helps detect gas leaks.