Mercaptan

[Sarah]

Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcoholradicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containingsulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphuralcohols. In general, they are colorless liquids having a strong,repulsive, garlic odor. The name is specifically applied to ethylmercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and othermetals.

[Sarah]

The short name for a [chemical] known as methyl mercaptan which is a naturally-occuring but toxic, [smelly gas]. Its chemical formula is CH4S which is very similar to [methane] (CH4). Both of these gases are found in [farts] and the [mercaptan] is responsible for the [stench] associated with [flatulent] activities.

[Cami]

An organic chemical compound that has a sulfur like odor that is added to natural gas before distribution to the consumer, to give it a distinct, unpleasant odor (smells like rotten eggs). This serves as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in cases where leaks occur.