Mercaptan
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /məˈkapt(ə)n/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Mercaptan is a noun meaning (chemistry) Any of a class of organic compounds of sulphur, ( R-SH ) where R represents an alkyl or other organic substituent. They tend to be foul-smelling. They are also termed thiols or thioalcohols.
Meaning
(chemistry) Any of a class of organic compounds of sulphur, ( R-SH ) where R represents an alkyl or other organic substituent. They tend to be foul-smelling. They are also termed thiols or thioalcohols.
Example Sentences
Though this might come as a surprise, gas actually has no odor; gas companies are obligated to odorize it to make it safer for use in homes. Mercaptan, a harmless chemical, is added to create the distinct smell in both natural gas (methane) and liquid petroleum gas (propane, butane).
Word Forms
- mercaptans
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include butyl, dodecyl, mercaptide, captan, mercaptoalkyl, mercaptobenzothiazole.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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