General Description
A clear colorless to light-yellow liquid with an offensive odor. Flash point 65°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. May be toxic by inhalation.
Reactivity Profile
AMYL MERCAPTAN(110-66-7) is incompatible with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, alkali metals, calcium hypochlorite, concentrated nitric acid .
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Health Hazard
Inhalation may cause nausea because of offensive odor. Contact with eyes or skin causes slight irritation. Ingestion may cause vomiting.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLORLESS LIQUID
Chemical Properties
Colorless liquid; meaty aroma.
Uses
In organic syntheses.
Definition
ChEBI: 1-Pentanethiol is an alkanethiol.
Preparation
1-Pentanethiol is synthesized from n-pentyl alcohol and hydrogen sulfide catalyzed by thorium dioxide.
Aroma threshold values
High strength odor; recommend smelling in a 0.10% solution or less.
Solubility in organics
Soluble in alcohol, perfume and flavor materials.
Purification Methods
Dissolve the thiol in aqueous 20% NaOH, then extract with a small amount of diethyl ether. The aqueous solution is acidified slightly with 15% H2SO4, and the thiol is distilled out, dried with CaSO4 or CaCl2, and fractionally distilled under nitrogen. [Ellis & Reid J Am Chem Soc 54 1674 1932, Beilstein 1 IV 1453.]
