1-Propanethiol is an organosulfur compound with the molecular formula C₃H₈S, presenting as a transparent, colorless liquid possessing a distinctive pungent odor at ambient temperature. Functioning as a significant chemical intermediate, this compound finds extensive application across pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical manufacturing sectors. The molecular architecture incorporates a thiol functional group (-SH) that confers potent nucleophilic characteristics, establishing its utility as a fundamental precursor for synthesizing organosulfur pharmaceuticals, including anti-ulcer agents and antibacterial compounds. Moreover, it serves essential functions in elastomer vulcanization processes and fragrance compound synthesis.
Melting point | -113 °C |
Boiling point | 67-68 °C(lit.) |
Density | 0.841 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
Vapor density | 2.54 (vs air) |
Vapor pressure | 122 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
Refractive index | n20/D 1.437(lit.) |
FEMA | 3521 | PROPANETHIOL |
Fp | −5 °F |
Storage temp | Store below +30°C. |
Solubility | 1.9g/l |
Pka | pK1:10.86 (25°C) |
Form | Liquid |
Color | Colorless |
Odor | At 0.10 % in propylene glycol. cabbage natural gas sweet onion |
Odor Threshold | 0.000013ppm |
Odor Type | Alliaceous |
Biological source | Synthetic |
Water Solubility | Immiscible |
Pharmaceutical Intermediate Applications
1-Propanethiol functions as a critical synthetic precursor for proton pump inhibitor anti-ulcer medications including omeprazole and lansoprazole, where its thiol moiety enables precise molecular integration with the drug's core structure.
Advanced Biomedical Technologies
The compound facilitates site-specific protein modification through thiol-disulfide exchange mechanisms and contributes to novel antifungal agent development by optimizing bioactive molecular architectures.
Agrochemical Synthesis
As a fundamental sulfur-containing precursor, it enables efficient production of organophosphorus insecticides such as propylthiophos, directly determining their biocidal efficacy.
Polymer Material Engineering
1-Propanethiol acts as a specialized vulcanization accelerator for rubber compounds and serves as a monomer for functional polymers that impart advanced material characteristics.
Electronic Material Innovations
This chemical functions as a vapor deposition precursor for semiconductor thin films, a molecular dopant for conductive polymers, and a core building block for photoelectric conversion materials.
New Energy Technology Developments
It serves as an electrolyte additive in lithium-sulfur batteries to suppress polysulfide migration and as a catalyst support modifier in fuel cell systems to enhance electrochemical performance.
