| mercaptan | <chemistry> Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur alcohols. In general, they are colourless liquids having a strong, repulsive, garlic odour. The name is specifically applied to ethyl mercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other metals. Origin: F, fr. NL. Mercurius mercury + L. Captans, p. Pr. Of captare to seize, v. Intens. Fr. Capere. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|
| methyl mercaptan | CH3SH;a product of the degradation of cysteine by intestinal bacteria; it is also reduced to produce methane and H2S. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|