Methyl Mercaptan Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Growth by Type (Hydrogen Sulfide-Methanol Vapor Phase Synthesis, Thiourea-Dimethyl Sulfate Synthesis, and Other), By Application (Animal Nutrition, Petrochemicals and Refining, and Other), Regional Insights, and Forecast To 2034

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METHYL MERCAPTAN MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Methyl Mercaptan Market size stood at USD 0.48 billion in 2025, growing further to USD 0.56 billion by 2034 at an estimated CAGR of 1.74% from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Methyl Mercaptan Market size is projected at USD 0.21244 billion in 2025, the Europe Methyl Mercaptan Market size is projected at USD 0.14943 billion in 2025, and the China Methyl Mercaptan Market size is projected at USD 0.09233 billion in 2025.

Methyl mercaptan is a colorless gas with a strong, unpleasant odor. Its chemical formula is CH3SH, and it is also known as methanethiol or thiomethyl alcohol. It is a thiol compound, which means it contains a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and an organic group. Methyl mercaptan is naturally present in some foods, such as cheese and certain fruits and vegetables, but it is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as pesticides, drugs, and flavors.

It is also added to odorless gases such as natural gas to give them a detectable odor in order to alert people to gas leaks. Methyl mercaptan is toxic and can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations, causing respiratory and central nervous system effects. Therefore, it should be handled with care and stored properly.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Need for Disinfection Boosted Market Demand

COVID-19 had a life changing impact globally. The global methyl mercaptan market share was significantly affected. The virus had various impacts on different markets. Lockdowns were imposed in several nations. This erratic pandemic caused disruptions on all sorts of businesses. Restrictions tightened during the pandemic due to increasing number of cases. Numerous Industries were affected. However, the market for methyl mercaptan experienced an increased demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an indirect impact on the production and use of methyl mercaptan and other chemical. Many industries have been disrupted, and some chemical plants have had to shut down or reduce production due to COVID-19-related restrictions and supply chain disruptions. This has affected the availability and pricing of chemicals, including methyl mercaptan.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of proper sanitation and disinfection, and methyl mercaptan is sometimes used as a component in disinfectant products due to its strong odor. As a result, there has been increased demand for disinfectant products containing methyl mercaptan or other thiol compounds during the pandemic. However, as the pandemic subsided the global methyl mercaptan market share is anticipated to grow.

LATEST TRENDS

Consistent R&D to Benefit Market Prospects

One recent study published in the journal Biomolecules in May 2021 found that thiol compounds, including methyl mercaptan, can act as antioxidants and have potential therapeutic effects in treating diseases related to oxidative stress. Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in August 2021 investigated the effect of thiol compounds, including methyl mercaptan, on the flavor and aroma of red wine.

There is ongoing research into the use of thiol compounds as odorants and flavors in various products, including perfumes, food and beverages. Additionally, research continues on the safety and health effects of thiol compounds like methyl mercaptan, particularly in occupational settings where exposure may be a concern. These latest developments are anticipated to boost the global methyl mercaptan market share.

• In 2023, odorant applications accounted for approximately 45 % of the market share, highlighting its importance in natural gas safety.

• Purity-grade demand is shifting toward high-purity (99.0–99.99 %) methyl mercaptan, especially for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and lab reagents.

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METHYL MERCAPTAN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is divided into hydrogen sulfide-methanol vapor phase synthesis, thiourea-dimethyl sulfate synthesis, and other.

By Application

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into animal nutrition, petrochemicals and refining, and other.

DRIVING FACTORS

Natural Gas Industry to Boost Market Share

Methyl mercaptan is added to odorless natural gas to give it a detectable odor in order to alert people to gas leaks. In some industries, the use of methyl mercaptan is subject to regulatory requirements to ensure its safe handling and use. Methyl mercaptan is sometimes used as a component in disinfectant products due to its strong odor.

Chemical Production to Boost Market Size

Methyl mercaptan is used in the production of other chemicals, such as methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid used in animal feed; pesticides such as methomyl and aldicarb; and flavors such as garlic and onion flavors. Methyl mercaptan and other thiol compounds are studied in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science for their potential applications and properties. These factors are anticipated to drive the global methyl mercaptan market share.

• The rising demand for methionine—used in animal feed—drives methyl mercaptan utilization as a critical precursor.

• Expanding natural gas infrastructure elevates methyl mercaptan usage as an odorant to enhance leak detection safety.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Toxicity to Hamper Market Share

Methyl mercaptan is toxic and can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations, causing respiratory and central nervous system effects. This toxicity can make it difficult to handle and transport, and it may require special precautions to ensure worker safety. Methyl mercaptan has a very strong, unpleasant odor that can make it difficult to work with and may limit its use in certain applications, particularly those where odor is a concern. These factors are anticipated to hamper the global methyl mercaptan market share.

• Environmental and health concerns around methyl mercaptan’s toxicity and flammability impose stricter regulatory oversight across regions.

• Raw material price fluctuations—particularly methanol and hydrogen sulfide—create instability in production cost structures.

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METHYL MERCAPTAN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America Dominates the Methyl Mercaptan Market

North America is the major shareholder for the global methyl mercaptan market share. The production and use of methyl mercaptan are driven by demand from various industries, including chemical production, natural gas, and disinfectants. As such, the major shareholders of methyl mercaptan can be found in regions where these industries are strong and growing. Additionally, the availability and cost of raw materials, energy, and labor can also be factors that impact the production and use of methyl mercaptan in different regions. Europe is the second major shareholder for the global methyl mercaptan market share.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead in the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolio.

• DuPont: Notably linked to a major methyl mercaptan leak in 2014 that resulted in significant legal penalties and highlighted safety risks.

• Chevron Phillips: Recognized among key global producers, actively contributing to chemical supply chains in animal feed and petrochemical sectors.

List of Top Methyl Mercaptan Companies

• DuPont
• Chevron Phillips
• Arkema

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description of the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, etc. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics changes.