thiol

noun
UK /ˈθaɪɒl/
US /ˈθaɪɔːl/

A thiol is a chemical compound that has a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

The strong smell of garlic comes from a thiol.

SYNONYMS

mercaptansulfhydryl compoundthioalcoholorganosulfur compound

RELATED WORDS

sulfurhydrogencysteineglutathionedisulfide

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A functional group consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH).

The protein contains several thiol groups that help it fold.

3. Any organic compound containing a thiol group, often known for strong odors.

Skunk spray contains thiols that give it its powerful smell.

4. A class of compounds used in some industrial and pharmaceutical processes.

Chemists used a thiol to make the new medicine.