mercaptan Synonyms
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
mercaptan Meaning
mercaptan (n.)
Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur alcohols. In general, they are colorless liquids having a strong, repulsive, garlic odor. The name is specifically applied to ethyl mercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other metals.
FAQs About the word mercaptan
Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
The pungent odor of mercaptan serves as a warning for the presence of natural gas leaks.
Mercaptans are organic sulfur compounds that have a characteristic foul smell, often described as resembling garlic or onions.
In small concentrations, mercaptans are added to natural gas to make it easily detectable in case of leaks, enhancing safety.
The synthesis of mercaptans involves the reaction of alkyl halides with sodium or potassium salts of hydrogen sulfide.
