Butane-1-thiol, also known as butyl mercaptan, is an organosulfur compound with the formula or . It is classified as a thiol. It is a volatile, colorless liquid with a fetid (extremely foul-smelling) odor, commonly described as "skunk" odor. In fact, 1-butanethiol is structurally similar to several constituents of a skunk's defensive spray but is not present in the spray. The scent of 1-butanethiol is so strong that the human nose can easily detect it in the air at concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion. The threshold level for 1-butanethiol is reported as 1.4 ppb
Uses Butane-1-thiol is used as an industrial solvent, and as an intermediate for cotton defoliants. It is sometimes placed in "stink bombs" and "stink perfumes" for pranksters.
Safety Inhalation may cause weakness, confusion, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The substance irritates the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. It may cause effects on the thyroid and the nervous system and could cause lowering of consciousness.
See also tert-Butylthiol (tert-butyl mercaptan)
Notes
References U.S. Department of Labor The Good Scents Company HazMap
External links The Skunk's Defensive Secretion CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards