Grapefruit mercaptan

Grapefruit mercaptan
IUPAC name

(R)-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-enyl)propane-2-thiol
Other names

grapefruit mercaptan
1-p-methene-8-thiol
α,α,4-trimethylcyclohex-3-ene-1-methane thiol
thioterpineol
Identifiers
CAS number 71159-90-5,  (racemate)
83150-78-1 (R enantiomer)
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C10H18S
Molar mass 170.31 g/mol
Density 1.03 g/cm3
Melting point

<25 °C
Boiling point

58 °C at .33 mmHg
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Grapefruit mercaptan is the common name for a natural organic compound found in grapefruit. It is a monoterpenoid that contains a thiol (aka mercaptan) functional group. Structurally a hydroxy group of terpineol is replaced by the thiol in grapefruit mercaptan, so it also called thioterpineol. Volatile thiols typically have very strong, often unpleasant odors that can be detected by humans in very low concentrations. Grapefruit mercaptan has a very potent, but not unpleasant, odor, and it is the chemical constituent primarily responsible for the aroma of grapefruit.[1] This characteristic aroma is a property of only the R enantiomer.[2]

Pure grapefruit mercaptan, or citrus-derived oils rich in grapefruit mercaptan, are sometimes used in perfumery and the flavor industry to impart citrus aromas and flavors. However, both industries actively seek substitutes for grapefruit mercaptans for use as a grapefruit flavorant, since its decomposition products are often highly disagreeable to the human sense of smell.

See also

References

  1. ^ Buettner A., Schieberle P. (1999). "Characterization of the Most Odor-Active Volatiles in Fresh, Hand-Squeezed Juice of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfayden)". J. Agric. Food Chem. 47 (12): 5189–5193. doi:10.1021/jf990071l. PMID 10606593. 
  2. ^ Lehmann D., Dietrich A., Hener U., Mosandl A. (1994). "Stereoisomeric flavor compounds. LXX: 1-p-menthene-8-thiol: separation and sensory evaluation of the enantiomers by enantioselective gas chromatography-olfactometry". Phytochemical Analysis 6 (5): 255–257. doi:10.1002/pca.2800060506.