thiol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thiol” mean?
An organic compound containing a sulfur-hydrogen (-SH) group, analogous to an alcohol but with sulfur replacing oxygen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound containing a sulfur-hydrogen (-SH) group, analogous to an alcohol but with sulfur replacing oxygen.
A class of sulfur-containing organic compounds characterized by a sulfhydryl group; they are often noted for their strong, unpleasant odors (e.g., in skunk spray, garlic) and play crucial roles in biochemistry (e.g., in the amino acid cysteine) and industrial chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific context.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and confined to chemical/biological contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “thiol” in a Sentence
The [compound] is a thiol.The molecule contains a thiol group.[Substance] reacts with thiols.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thiol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The thiol functional group is highly reactive.
- Thiol compounds are often malodorous.
American English
- The thiol functional group is highly reactive.
- Thiol compounds are often foul-smelling.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in popular science articles about smells or biochemistry.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in lab reports, chemical safety data sheets, and industrial processes involving sulfur compounds.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiol”
- Mispronouncing as 'thee-ol' or 'thigh-ol' (correct first syllable is as in 'thigh').
- Confusing the '-thiol' suffix with '-ol' (alcohol) in chemical names.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'mercaptan' is an older, synonymous term for thiol, derived from 'mercurium captans' (capturing mercury), as these compounds react with mercury salts. 'Thiol' is the preferred systematic name in modern chemistry.
Their toxicity varies widely. Some are harmless and essential for life (e.g., in enzymes), while others can be toxic or corrosive. Many low-molecular-weight thiols have extremely strong, unpleasant odours detectable at very low concentrations.
You might see it in popular science articles about the chemistry of smell (skunks, garlic, coffee, wine), in the ingredients of certain chemicals (e.g., odorants for natural gas), or in advanced biology texts discussing protein structure and antioxidants like glutathione.
Pronounce it as 'THY-ol'. The first syllable rhymes with 'thigh' and the second with 'doll' (UK) or 'dahl' (US).
An organic compound containing a sulfur-hydrogen (-SH) group, analogous to an alcohol but with sulfur replacing oxygen.
Thiol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THIOL' has 'THIO-' (related to sulfur, like in 'thiosulfate') and '-OL' (like in alcohol, but with sulfur instead of oxygen).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often described as the 'sulfur version' of an alcohol.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining functional group of a thiol?