mercaptan

[ mer-kap-tan ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a class of sulfur-containing compounds having the type formula RSH, in which R represents a radical, and having an extremely offensive, garlicky odor.

mercaptan

/ mɜːˈkæptæn /

noun

1. another name (not in technical usage) for thiol

mercaptan

/ mər-kăp′tăn′ /

1. See thiol

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercaptan¹

1825–35; < Latin, short for phrase corpus mercurium captāns body capturing quicksilver

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercaptan¹

C19: from German, from Medieval Latin mercurium captans, literally: seizing quicksilver

Example Sentences

The employees at the now-closed DuPont chemical plant in LaPorte, Texas, died in November 2014 when a chemical used in the manufacturing of insecticide and fungicide, methyl mercaptan, was released.

From Seattle Times

Sandel and DuPont engineers allegedly devised a plan to divert a large volume of methyl mercaptan gas into a waste gas pipe system during the day before and night of the fatal incident, according to prosecutors and an indictment.

From Seattle Times

But when the gas is processed for transport and sale, producers add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive “rotten egg” smell that helps make people aware of leaks.

From Seattle Times

But when the gas is processed for transport and sale, producers add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive “rotten egg” smell that helps make people aware of leaks.

From Seattle Times

Testing also confirmed that the odorant additive Mercaptan was present in the gas line leading into the home.

From Seattle Times