allyl mercaptan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “allyl mercaptan” mean?
A volatile organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C₃H₆S, characterized by its strong garlic-like odour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A volatile organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C₃H₆S, characterized by its strong garlic-like odour.
A naturally occurring thiol found in garlic and other allium species, primarily responsible for their characteristic aroma. It is a colourless liquid used as a flavouring agent and studied for its biochemical properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Pronunciation differences follow general UK/US patterns for the constituent words.
Connotations
Exclusively neutral, scientific connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard within its technical domain in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “allyl mercaptan” in a Sentence
Allyl mercaptan is + adjective (e.g., is volatile, is responsible for)The + noun + of allyl mercaptan (e.g., the smell, the concentration)Allyl mercaptan + verb (e.g., contributes to, reacts with)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allyl mercaptan” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The allyl mercaptan concentration was measured.
- An allyl mercaptan derivative was synthesised.
American English
- The allyl mercaptan concentration was measured.
- An allyl mercaptan derivative was synthesized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of food flavourings, cosmetics, or chemical supply.
Academic
Standard in chemistry, biochemistry, and food science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. The concept is described as 'garlic smell' or 'garlic compound'.
Technical
Precise term for the specific compound. Used in laboratory reports, safety data sheets (SDS), and industrial specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allyl mercaptan”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allyl mercaptan”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allyl mercaptan”
- Misspelling as 'allyl mercaptane' or 'allylmercaptan' (often written as one word in some contexts).
- Incorrect pronunciation stress on 'merCAPtan' instead of 'merCAPtan' (US) or 'merCAPtan' (UK).
- Using it in non-technical contexts where it would be incomprehensible.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) as a flavouring agent in very low concentrations, but pure allyl mercaptan is volatile, flammable, and has a very potent, unpleasant odour requiring careful handling.
Yes, it is the main compound you smell when you crush garlic. Humans can detect it at extremely low concentrations in air.
Allicin is an unstable intermediate compound formed when garlic is cut. Allyl mercaptan is one of the more stable, volatile end products that contributes to the long-lasting garlic odour.
The term 'mercaptan' comes from Latin 'mercurium captans' (capturing mercury), as these compounds readily form bonds with mercury. In modern IUPAC nomenclature, the preferred term is 'thiol'.
A volatile organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C₃H₆S, characterized by its strong garlic-like odour.
Allyl mercaptan is usually technical / scientific in register.
Allyl mercaptan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈalʌɪl məːˈkaptan/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælɪl mərˈkæpˌtæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALLY' joins with 'MERCAPTAN' – the 'ally' in garlic fights odours, and 'mercaptan' captures its smelly nature (common suffix for smelly thiols).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ESSENCE OF GARLIC (Conceptualising a complex chemical as the fundamental source of a familiar sensory experience).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'allyl mercaptan' most commonly used?