alkanethiol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “alkanethiol” mean?
A compound in which a thiol group (SH) is bonded to an alkyl group, forming a sulfur analog of an alcohol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compound in which a thiol group (SH) is bonded to an alkyl group, forming a sulfur analog of an alcohol.
A class of organosulfur compounds with the general formula R-SH, where R is a saturated hydrocarbon chain. They are often characterized by a strong, unpleasant odour and are used as odorants (e.g., in natural gas), in chemical synthesis, and in creating self-assembled monolayers on gold surfaces in nanotechnology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Pronunciation may vary slightly according to local accent.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Identically rare and confined to technical literature in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “alkanethiol” in a Sentence
alkanethiol + adsorbed/prepared/immobilized + on/onto + surfacealkanethiol + with + a C18 chainalkanethiols + are + used + as + precursors/ligandsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alkanethiol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form]
American English
- [No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The alkanethiol solution was prepared under nitrogen.
- Alkanethiol monolayers exhibit interesting properties.
American English
- The alkanethiol solution was prepared under nitrogen.
- Alkanethiol-based coatings provide corrosion resistance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in a highly specialised chemical manufacturing report.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used to describe specific reagents, surface modifications, and chemical processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alkanethiol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alkanethiol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alkanethiol”
- Misspelling as 'alkenethiol' (which is a different compound).
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (/ˈælkeɪnθaɪɒl/) instead of the third (/ˌælkeɪnˈθaɪɒl/).
- Using it in a non-chemical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Mercaptan' is an older, common name for thiols, including alkanethiols. 'Alkanethiol' is the more systematic IUPAC-preferred name.
Their sulfur atom binds strongly to metals like gold, silver, and platinum. The alkyl chain then stands up, allowing scientists to create single-molecule-thick films (self-assembled monolayers) to pattern surfaces and control properties at the nanoscale.
Yes, most low-molecular-weight alkanethiols (like ethanethiol) have an extremely strong, repulsive odour resembling rotten cabbage or garlic. This is why they are added to odourless natural gas to help detect leaks.
No, it is a highly specialised technical term. Using it outside a scientific context would likely cause confusion.
A compound in which a thiol group (SH) is bonded to an alkyl group, forming a sulfur analog of an alcohol.
Alkanethiol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Alkanethiol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌælkeɪnˈθaɪɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌælkeɪnˈθaɪɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None exist for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALKANE' (a hydrocarbon with single bonds) + 'THIOL' (a sulfur group like -SH). It's the stinky sulfur version of an alcohol.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEGO BRICK: In nanotechnology, an alkanethiol is like a Lego brick with a 'sticky' sulfur end that attaches to gold and a 'tail' (alkyl chain) that builds up structure.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining functional group in an alkanethiol?