Chemistry:Butane-1-thiol
Butane-1-thiol, also known as butyl mercaptan, is an organosulfur compound with the formula CH
3CH
2CH
2CH
2SH. It is classified as a thiol. It is a volatile, colorless liquid with a fetid (extremely foul-smelling) odor, commonly described as "skunk" odor. In fact, 1-butanethiol is structurally similar to several constituents of a skunk's defensive spray but is not present in the spray.[1] The scent of 1-butanethiol is so strong that the human nose can easily detect it in the air at concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion. The threshold level for 1-butanethiol is reported as 1.4 ppb[2]
Uses
Butane-1-thiol is used as an industrial solvent, and as an intermediate for cotton defoliants.[3] It is sometimes placed in "stink bombs" and "stink perfumes" for pranksters.
Safety
Inhalation may cause weakness, confusion, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The substance irritates the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. It may cause effects on the thyroid and the nervous system and could cause lowering of consciousness.[4]
See also
- tert-Butylthiol (tert-butyl mercaptan)
Notes
- ↑ Andersen K. K., Bernstein D. T. (1978). "1-Butanethiol and the Striped Skunk". Journal of Chemical Education 55 (3): 159–160. doi:10.1021/ed055p159. Bibcode: 1978JChEd..55..159A.
- ↑ Devos, M; F. Patte; J. Rouault; P. Lafort; L. J. Van Gemert (1990). Standardized Human Olfactory Thresholds. Oxford: IRL Press. pp. 34. ISBN 0199631468.
- ↑ National Library of Medicine HSDB Database. "Merphos". National Library of Medicine. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/toxnet/index.html.
- ↑ "n-BUTYL MERCAPTAN". International Chemical Safety Cards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0018.html. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
References
External links
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