Propanethiol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C3H8S. It belongs to the group of thiols. It is a colorless liquid with a strong, offensive odor. It is moderately toxic and is less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. It is used as a feedstock for insecticides.[1] It is highly flammable and it gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Heating it will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.[2] [3]
Propanethiol is chemically classified among the thiols, which are organic compounds with molecular formulas and structural formulas similar to alcohols, except that sulfur-containing sulfhydryl group (-SH) replaces the oxygen-containing hydroxyl group in the molecule. Propanethiol's basic molecular formula is C3H7SH, and its structural formula is similar to that of the alcohol n-propanol.
Propanethiol is manufactured commercially by the reaction of propene with hydrogen sulfide with ultraviolet light initiation in an anti-Markovnikov addition.[4] It can also be prepared by the reaction of sodium hydrosulfide with 1-chloropropane.