merkaptaani

Merkaptaani is the Finnish term for mercaptans, a broad class of organosulfur compounds also known as thiols. These compounds feature a sulfhydryl group (R–SH) attached to an alkyl or aryl moiety and are divided into aliphatic and aromatic thiols. Common examples include methanethiol (CH3SH), ethanethiol (C2H5SH), and tert-butyl mercaptan ((CH3)3CSH); thiophenol (C6H5SH) represents an aromatic thiol.

Mercaptans are notable for their strong, often unpleasant odors at very low concentrations. They are typically liquids or gases, with properties that vary with the substituent. Chemically, they are weak acids (pKa around 10–11) and can be deprotonated to RS−. They readily oxidize to disulfides (R–S–S–R) and participate in diverse nucleophilic and radical reactions. They form metal–thiol complexes and serve as ligands in coordination chemistry.

In nature and industry, mercaptans arise from degradation and fermentation processes and contribute characteristic odors in sewage and decaying matter. They occur in some foods and beverages, notably in trace amounts that can influence aroma. Industriously, certain mercaptans, especially tert-butyl mercaptan, are added to natural gas and LPG as odorants to enable leak detection. Some thiols also contribute desirable aroma notes in foods and fragrances at low concentrations.

Safety and handling: mercaptans are flammable and can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are advised, and regulatory guidelines govern their environmental release and occupational exposure due to odor and toxicity concerns.