Thiolgroep

Thiolgroep is the Dutch term for a thiol group, also known as a sulfhydryl group. It is a functional group in organic chemistry with the general formula R–SH, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group. The thiol group consists of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. This group is structurally similar to the hydroxyl group (–OH) found in alcohols, with sulfur replacing oxygen.

Thiol groups are characterized by their strong, often unpleasant odors, which are responsible for the smell of substances like garlic and onions. The sulfur atom in a thiol group is more polarizable than the oxygen atom in a hydroxyl group, leading to different chemical properties. Thiols are generally weaker acids than alcohols, but they are more prone to oxidation.

In biological systems, thiol groups play crucial roles. The amino acid cysteine contains a thiol group in its side chain. The disulfide bond (–S–S–), formed by the oxidation of two thiol groups, is essential for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of many proteins. Enzymes that contain thiol groups in their active sites are also important for various metabolic processes. The reactivity of thiol groups makes them valuable in chemical synthesis and in the development of pharmaceuticals.