Interesting facts
Interesting Facts about 2-Methylbutane-1-thiol
2-Methylbutane-1-thiol, also known by its common names such as isopropyl mercaptan or 2-methyl-1-butanethiol, is an intriguing sulfur-containing organic compound with notable chemical properties. It belongs to the family of thiols, which are characterized by the presence of a sulfhydryl group (-SH) attached to a carbon atom. Here are some interesting aspects to consider:
- Unique Odor: One of the most distinctive features of 2-methylbutane-1-thiol is its strong and often unpleasant smell, reminiscent of rotten cabbage. This characteristic makes it useful as an odorant in natural gas to detect leaks, as natural gas is otherwise odorless.
- Uses in Industry: Beyond its role as an odorant, this compound is instrumental in the chemical synthesis of various specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Its reactivity allows for the introduction of thiol groups into other organic molecules, which is key for many chemical reactions.
- Biological Relevance: In biological systems, thiols are crucial for the structure and function of proteins. The presence of thiol groups in amino acids, like cysteine, is vital for protein folding and stability. 2-Methylbutane-1-thiol itself has been studied for its potential biological activity, making it an interesting subject in biochemical research.
- Synthesis: The compound can be synthesized through various methods, most notably by the reaction of 2-methylbutane with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction showcases a classic example of how alcohols can be converted into thiols.
- Safety Considerations: Due to its strong odor and potential toxicity, 2-methylbutane-1-thiol should be handled with care. Its vapors can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, and appropriate protective equipment should always be used.
In summary, 2-methylbutane-1-thiol is a fascinating compound that captures the intersection of organic chemistry, industry, and biology. Its unique properties and applications make it a significant topic of study in the field of chemical research.
Synonyms
2-Methyl-1-butanethiol
1878-18-8
2-Methylbutane-1-thiol
1-Butanethiol, 2-methyl-
FEMA No. 3303
2-methyl-1-butane thiol
1-mercapto-2-methylbutane
8ZRO873BR6
EINECS 217-515-3
DTXSID50862771
2-METHYL-1-BUTANETHIOL [FHFI]
DTXCID60811492
(+-)-2-METHYL-1-BUTANETHIOL
217-515-3
2-Methylbutyl mercaptan
2-Methylbutanethiol
UNII-8ZRO873BR6
2-methyl-butanethiol
MFCD00004883
SCHEMBL23815
CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2SH
2-Methyl-1-butanethiol, 95%
FEMA 3303
CHEBI:173326
AKOS015897557
2-Methyl-1-butanethiol, >=95%, FG
(+/-)-2-METHYL-1-BUTANETHIOL
LS-13100
DB-003287
M1041
NS00046550
D91431
EN300-105388
Q27271254
Solubility of 2-methylbutane-1-thiol
2-methylbutane-1-thiol, also known as 2-methylbutanethiol, is an organic compound characterized by its thiol functional group. The solubility of this compound can be influenced by several factors:
In general, 2-methylbutane-1-thiol is considered to be poorly soluble in water due to its non-polar hydrocarbon portion, which tends to repel polar water molecules. However, it can dissolve well in organic solvents where the attractions between similar entities can occur.
To summarize:
Understanding the solubility of 2-methylbutane-1-thiol is crucial in various chemical applications, particularly in organic synthesis and analyses where solvent choice plays a key role.