mercapto group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalFormal, scientific/technical.
Quick answer
What does “mercapto group” mean?
A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH); equivalent to a thiol group.
A reactive chemical moiety containing sulfur and hydrogen, crucial in biochemistry (e.g., in cysteine amino acids), coordination chemistry as a ligand, and industrial processes like vulcanization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage is identical in scientific literature.
Connotations
None beyond its strict technical meaning.
Frequency
Identically low frequency, confined to chemistry, biochemistry, and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “mercapto group” in a Sentence
The [compound] possesses a mercapto group.The reaction targets the [molecule]'s mercapto group.A [polymer] with pendant mercapto groups was synthesized.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mercapto group” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The compound was functionalised to mercapto-terminate the polymer chain.
- The agent will mercapto-coat the surface.
American English
- The compound was functionalized to mercapto-terminate the polymer chain.
- The agent will mercapto-coat the surface.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not used adverbially).
American English
- N/A (Not used adverbially).
adjective
British English
- The mercapto-functionalised silica showed high adsorption.
- We analysed the mercapto-containing derivative.
American English
- The mercapto-functionalized silica showed high adsorption.
- We analyzed the mercapto-containing derivative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used outside businesses dealing with specialty chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and pharmacology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, biochemistry (e.g., describing cysteine residues), and toxicology (e.g., binding of heavy metals).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mercapto group”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mercapto group”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mercapto group”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɜːrkəptoʊ/. Correct stress is on the second syllable: mer-CAP-to.
- Confusing it with a 'methyl group' due to similar sound beginnings.
- Using 'mercaptan group' incorrectly; 'mercaptan' refers to the whole thiol molecule, not just the -SH substituent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but the usage differs slightly. 'Thiol' (R-SH) refers to the whole molecule, while 'mercapto group' specifically refers to the -SH functional group when it is a substituent part of a larger molecule, often indicated by the prefix 'mercapto-' in chemical names.
The name derives from the Latin 'mercurium captans,' meaning 'capturing mercury,' because these groups form strong bonds with mercury(II) ions.
They are key in the vulcanization of rubber, in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals, and as odorants in natural gas (where trace thiols like ethyl mercaptan are added for leak detection due to their strong smell).
It is weakly acidic. The S-H bond can dissociate to a small extent, releasing a proton (H+), forming a thiolate anion (S-). This property is vital in many biochemical redox reactions.
A functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH).
Mercapto group is usually formal, scientific/technical. in register.
Mercapto group: in British English it is pronounced /mɜːˈkæptəʊ ɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɝˈkæptoʊ ɡrup/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A (Technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MERCury APT to grab it: the 'mercapto' group is historically known for capturing (binding) mercury atoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical 'hook' or 'handle' (due to its reactivity and ability to form bonds with metals and other groups).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary chemical composition of a mercapto group?