thiophenol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thiophenol” mean?
An organosulfur compound consisting of a phenyl group bonded to a thiol (sulfur-hydrogen) group, with the formula C6H5SH.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organosulfur compound consisting of a phenyl group bonded to a thiol (sulfur-hydrogen) group, with the formula C6H5SH.
It is the simplest aromatic thiol, a foul-smelling liquid used as a building block and reagent in organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of the initial 'th' may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Used exclusively in chemistry contexts in both varieties with identical frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “thiophenol” in a Sentence
Thiophenol is [verb, e.g., *added, used, formed*] as a [noun, e.g., *reagent, precursor, ligand*].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except in highly specialized chemical manufacturing or pharmaceutical R&D reports.
Academic
Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures within organic chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Appears in synthetic protocols, chemical safety data sheets, and patents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thiophenol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thiophenol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiophenol”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (THIO-phenol) is incorrect. The stress is on the third syllable: thio-phe-NOL.
- Misspelling as 'thiopenol' or 'thiophenole'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is toxic, flammable, and has a very offensive, pervasive odour. It requires strict safety protocols including use of a fume hood and proper personal protective equipment.
It is described as having a intensely foul, putrid, garlic-like or rotten cabbage smell, characteristic of many low-molecular-weight thiols.
Yes, they are exact synonyms. 'Benzenethiol' is also synonymous. 'Mercaptan' is an older term for thiol.
Primarily in fine chemical and pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, where it serves as a versatile intermediate for creating sulfur-containing compounds.
An organosulfur compound consisting of a phenyl group bonded to a thiol (sulfur-hydrogen) group, with the formula C6H5SH.
Thiophenol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thiophenol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪəʊˈfiːnɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊˈfiːnɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Thio' for sulfur (like in 'thiamine') + 'phenol' (a benzene ring with an OH group). It's the smelly sulfur version of phenol.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional group in thiophenol?