Butane-1-thiol

 ( Alkanethiols ) 

Butane-1-thiol, also known as butyl mercaptan, is an organosulfur compound with the formula . 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. 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

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Uses Butane-1-thiol is used as an industrial solvent, and as an intermediate for cotton defoliants. It is sometimes placed in "" and "stink perfumes" for pranksters.

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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.

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See also

• tert-Butylthiol ( tert-butyl mercaptan)

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Notes

• U.S. Department of Labor
• The Good Scents Company
• HazMap

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External links

• The Skunk's Defensive Secretion
• CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

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