Chemical Properties
(+/–)-1-Phenylethylmercaptan has a characteristic meat-like, pungent odor.
Occurrence
The isomer 2-phenylethanethiole is reportedly present in mushroom and fermented shrimp and fish paste
(trassi).
Uses
The compound is used as a source of the thiol functional group in organic synthesis. It is introduced by S-alkylation to give alkyl benzylthioethers.
Definition
ChEBI: 1-Phenylethane-1-thiol is a member of benzenes.
Synthesis
No information was found on the synthesis of 1-phenylethylmercaptan, but its isomer, 2-phenylethanethiol, was prepared
from (2-bromoethyl)benzene.
