Butane-1-thiol, also known as butyl mercaptan, is an
organosulfur compound
Organosulfur chemistry is the study of the properties and synthesis of organosulfur compounds, which are organic compounds that contain sulfur. They are often associated with foul odors, but many of the sweetest compounds known are organosulfur der ...
with the formula . It is classified as a thiol. It is a
volatile, colorless
liquid
Liquid is a state of matter with a definite volume but no fixed shape. Liquids adapt to the shape of their container and are nearly incompressible, maintaining their volume even under pressure. The density of a liquid is usually close to th ...
with a fetid (extremely foul-smelling) odor, commonly described as "
skunk
Skunks are mammals in the family Mephitidae. They are known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from their anal glands. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to brown, cream or gi ...
" odor. In fact, 1-butanethiol is structurally similar to several constituents of a skunk's defensive spray but is not present in the spray. 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
Uses
Butane-1-thiol is used as an industrial solvent, and as an intermediate for cotton defoliants. It is sometimes placed in "
stink bomb
A stink bomb, sometimes called a stinkpot, is a device designed to create an unpleasant smell. They range in effectiveness from being used as simple pranks to military grade malodorants or riot control chemical agents.
History
A stink bomb ...
s" 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.
See also
*
''tert''-Butylthiol (''tert''-butyl mercaptan)
Notes
References
U.S. Department of Labor
HazMap
External links
The Skunk's Defensive Secretion
{{DEFAULTSORT:Butanethiol1
Alkanethiols
Foul-smelling chemicals
Butyl compounds