Lexic.us

Definition of Mercaptan

1. n. Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur alcohols. In general, they are colorless liquids having a strong, repulsive, garlic odor. The name is specifically applied to ethyl mercaptan, C₂H₅SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other metals.

Definition of Mercaptan

1. Noun. (chemistry) A class of organic compounds of sulphur, ( R₁.S.R₂ ); they tend to be foul-smelling. When R₂ is a hydrogen atom, they are termed thiols or thioalcohols. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Mercaptan

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Mercaptan

1. Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur alcohols. In general, they are colourless liquids having a strong, repulsive, garlic odour. The name is specifically applied to ethyl mercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other metals. Origin: F, fr. NL. Mercurius mercury + L. Captans, p. Pr. Of captare to seize, v. Intens. Fr. Capere. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Mercaptan

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