CHS Module 8 Video 2 Thiols, Aldehydes, Ketones

Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Sulfur Compounds

• Focus on thiols, aldehydes, and ketones.

Thiols

Definition and Structure

• Also known as mercaptans.

• Characterized by the presence of a sulfur-hydrogen group (–SH).

• Systematic naming: Add "thiol" to the parent hydrocarbon name.

Characteristics

• Notable for their strong, unpleasant odor (e.g., skunk, garlic, onions).

• Use in natural gas: Thiols are added for odor detection to prevent accidents.

Biological Importance

• Occur in the amino acid cysteine.

• Cysteine is integral to protein structure due to the formation of disulfide bonds.

Reactions

• React with mild oxidizing agents to form disulfides (–S–S–).

• Disulfide bonds: Two thiols combine, losing hydrogen atoms and linking sulfurs.

• Revoked by reducing agents, which add hydrogens back.

Examples in Biology

• Proteins, including hair, are rich in disulfide bonds contributing to structural integrity.