1-Hexanethiol: Substance Overview and Insights

What is 1-Hexanethiol?

1-Hexanethiol brings a sharp, sulfurous note as a specialty chemical. Its structure, comprising a six-carbon chain bonded to a thiol group (–SH) at the terminal end, makes it part of a group known for their intense odors and reactivity. The chemical formula, C₆H₁₃SH, reveals a straightforward alkyl thiol backbone. The molecular weight lands at 118.24 g/mol. Within academic labs and industry, folks often encounter 1-Hexanethiol as a liquid at room temperature, thanks to its moderate molecular weight and absence of strong hydrogen bonding beyond the single thiol.

Physical and Chemical Properties

In pure form, this compound appears as a clear-to-pale yellow, oily liquid. The density measures close to 0.85 g/cm³ at 20°C, a bit lighter than water. Odor jumps out quickly—a potent ‘rotten cabbage’ signal, immediately recognizable in even tiny amounts. Its boiling point sits around 151°C. 1-Hexanethiol does not freeze easily, with a melting point well below ambient temperature, which means it hardly ever appears as a solid or crystal under regular conditions. Flakes, pearls, or powder forms rarely exist for this compound; the liquid dominates any application. It mixes sparingly with water but blends well with ether, chloroform, and most organic solvents. Solubility stays low in water, underscoring its hydrophobic nature. Researchers needing a solution form generally dissolve it in alcohols, ethers, or similar organic bases.

Structure and Behavior

The structure gives this molecule unique reactivity. That sulfur-hydrogen bond allows 1-Hexanethiol to engage in nucleophilic substitution reactions, form strong bonds with gold and other soft metal surfaces, and add to double bonds in organic synthesis. The linear, unbranched six-carbon backbone keeps the molecule relatively flexible, which supports its distribution across surfaces in thin films or self-assembled monolayers—an important feature for nanotechnology and sensor design. The single thiol group confers a high degree of chemical functionality, supporting a range of transformations in synthesis or on surfaces.

Specifications, HS Code, and Raw Materials

Commercial suppliers often list technical grades and purity levels—99% or higher gets used for laboratory and production work. Chemically, impurities affect reactivity, so understanding the product’s certificate of analysis is key. As a raw material, 1-Hexanethiol finds use in organic synthesis, especially for introducing thiol groups into more complex molecules. Its HS Code, for customs and transport, typically falls under '2930.90', aligning with other organo-sulfur compounds. Storage involves cool, dry, ventilated conditions, as this material both evaporates and reacts with oxygen to form disulfides over time.

Safety, Hazards, and Health Effects

Handling 1-Hexanethiol always requires care. The compound scores as harmful through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion, so chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and fume hoods matter. Its vapor can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation in the nose or throat. Chronic exposure risks remain under debate, but acute exposure to high levels causes both short-term and long-term effects, so limiting exposure stands as best practice. The material shows flammability; vapors ignite in air if an ignition source appears. Waste and spills demand special response—do not wash down drains. Emergency showers and eyewash stations belong near work areas where it gets used.

Importance in Industry and Research

1-Hexanethiol carves out importance as a surface modifier in nanoscience, where self-assembled monolayers control everything from sensor selectivity to corrosion resistance. In organic synthesis, the thiol group gives chemists a flexible starting point for constructing complex molecules with sulfur functionality—often critical in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers. In electronics, it helps pattern gold electrodes through selective surface chemistry, supporting innovation in miniaturized devices and biosensors. Researchers rely on its ability to form robust sulfur-metal bonds and its predictably reactive behavior, which brings precision and reliability to molecular engineering. Although not as common as everyday building blocks, where it appears, it usually plays a key technical role.

Potential Solutions to Hazards

Proper education, training, and facility design reduce the risks. Manufacturers and labs should keep all work inside ventilated enclosures and use automatic monitoring for sulfur-containing vapors. Spill kits and neutralizers prevent environmental contamination. Using less hazardous substitutes stands as an alternative in some cases. Investing in personal protective gear—nitrile gloves, splash goggles, chemical aprons—shields workers from routine exposures. For waste, following regulated disposal channels and segregating thiols from incompatible chemicals avoids dangerous reactions. Better labeling and community right-to-know programs ensure everyone handling 1-Hexanethiol stays informed about its hazards and first-aid procedures.