Thiol

Thiol

Table of Contents

What is Thiol?

Thiols can be defined as a sulfur analogue of alcohols. In a simpler way, it is an organic compound consisting of compounds with a sulfur atom. It is also referred to as mercaptan. It consists of sulfhydryl group, i.e., Thiol = R-SH.

Alcohols and thiols share some similarities i.e. sulfur emergers as a larger element compared to that of oxygen, and the length of the C–S bond is more than that of the C–O bond. The hydrogen bonding between the thiol groups is much weaker in liquids or solids mainly because of the cohesive force. They exhibit a lower dipole moment than alcohol.

Properties of Thiol

Many thiols consist of odours that are usually strong which may resemble the scent of onions and garlic. Thiols possessing a low molecular weight consist of a repulsive and strong smell. For example, consider skunks consisting of the lower molecular weight of thiol and it is easily detectable by humans. It is also responsible for some sort of wine faults that have resulted due to some unintended reactions caused between sulphur and yeast.

Not all kinds of thiols hold bad odour; there are many other thiols with a pleasant smell. For example, furan-2-yl methanethiol is responsible for the beautiful aroma of roasted coffee, and monoterpenoid thiol is responsible for the mesmerizing scent of a grapefruit. One can find it only at low concentration levels.

Thiols are less likely soluble in water. Thioether functional groups possess similar boiling points and solubility features, well this does not hold true for alcohols. Volatile thiols can be easily identified due to their distinctive odours.

Reactions of Thiol

Many reactions are exhibited by thiols similar to that of hydroxyl compounds involving the formation of sulphides and thioesters. Oxidation would affect the sulphur atom in thiols, whereas in alcohol it would lead to the generation of a new product where it changes the oxidation state of a carbon atom.

Thioxanthates

Thiolates react with carbon disulphide to produce thioxanthate. Thioxanthates are organic compounds with the formula RSCS2X. If X is an alkali metal, then thioxanthate is a salt. IF X is a transition metal, then thioxanthate is a ligand, and if X is an organic group, then the compounds are called thioxanthate esters.

Metal ion complexation

Thiolates form transition metal thiolate complexes with metal ions.

Redox

Thiols readily oxidize through reagent iodine, in the presence of a base to produce organic sulphide. The redox reaction of thiol is mentioned below.

2 R–SH + Br2 → R–S–S–R + 2 HBr

Reagents such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite can also produce sulfonic acids.

R–SH + 3 H2O2 → RSO3H + 3 H2O

In the presence of a catalyst, oxidation can be affected by oxygen.

2 R–SH + 12 O2 → RS–SR + H2O

Participation of thiols in thiol-disulfide exchange.

RS–SR + 2 R′SH → 2 RSH + R′S–SR′

S-alkylation

Thiols are alkylated to give thioethers.

RSH + R′Br + B → RSR′ + [HB]Br

Acidity

Thiols are more acidic in nature. Thiolate is a conjugate base of thiol. It is obtained from thiol on treatment with alkali metal hydroxides.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What are thiols?

Thiol, also called mercaptan, is a class of organic chemical compounds similar to alcohols and phenols but containing a sulfur atom in place of the oxygen atom.
Q2

What is thiol used for?

Thiols are used as odorants to assist in the detection of natural gas
Q3

Are thiols weak or strong?

Thiols are weak acids. The sulfhydryl group is acidic enough to react with hydroxide ions to form thiolate salts.
Q4

Among thiol and alcohol, which is more acidic?

Among thiol and alcohol, a thiol is more acidic. O and S belong to the same group. The thiol is more acidic because the sulfur atom is larger than the oxygen atom.
Q5

What are thioxanthates?

Thiolates react with carbon disulfide to give thioxanthates with a formula RSCS−2

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