noun
- any of a class of organic compounds containing sulfur and having a strong, unpleasant odor
Usage: chemistry
Examples
- The mercaptan added to natural gas helps detect gas leaks by its distinctive smell.
- Mercaptans are responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs.
- The chemical plant released mercaptan compounds into the air.
- Safety regulations require the addition of mercaptan to odorless propane.
- The laboratory analyzed the mercaptan content in the sample.
- Mercaptans can be removed from petroleum products through refining processes.