Tiolüüsidel

Tiolüüsidel, also known as thiols or mercaptans, are a class of organic compounds containing the functional group R-SH, where R is an alkyl or aryl group and SH is a sulfhydryl group. These compounds are structurally similar to alcohols, with the oxygen atom replaced by a sulfur atom. The sulfur atom's larger size and different electronegativity compared to oxygen lead to distinct chemical properties.

A characteristic feature of thiols is their strong, often unpleasant odor. This is why they are sometimes added to odorless natural gas to make leaks detectable. Simple thiols like methanethiol and ethanethiol have particularly pungent smells.

Tiolüüsidel participate in various chemical reactions. They can be oxidized to disulfides (R-S-S-R), which are important in biological systems, such as the formation of disulfide bridges in proteins. Thiols can also act as nucleophiles and undergo reactions like alkylation. In biological contexts, thiols play roles in enzyme activity, antioxidant defense, and detoxification.

Naturally occurring thiols are found in various sources, including some foods like garlic and onions, as well as in amino acids like cysteine. Industrially, they are used as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and polymers. Their reactivity and characteristic odor make them a unique and important group of organic compounds.