Flavors and Fragrances

2-Ethyl-1-hexanethiol Information

2-Ethyl-1-hexanethiol Uses

2-Ethylhexyl Mercaptan is a sulfur-containing organic compound with the chemical formula C₈H₁₈S. It has a strong characteristic sulfide smell (similar to garlic or rotten vegetables). Although its name involves "flavors and fragrances", this compound is not a traditional flavor and fragrance ingredient. Its main use is concentrated in the industrial field. In rare cases, it may be used in very low concentrations for special fragrance formulations.

I. Core uses in the industrial field

(1) Chemical synthesis intermediates

Rubber and plastic additives: as a polymerization chain transfer agent, it controls the molecular weight distribution of polymer materials and improves rubber elasticity or plastic processing performance.

Lubricant additives: in extreme pressure lubricants, sulfur reacts with metal surfaces to form a protective film to reduce mechanical wear.

(2) Fuel and energy industry

Natural gas odorizer: using its strong odor, it is added to odorless natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to facilitate leak detection (typical addition concentration is 0.1-5 ppm).

II. Potential applications of flavors and fragrances (special scenarios)

(1) Bionic odor simulation

Corruption or animal fragrance: At extremely low concentrations (ppb level), it may be used to formulate certain "heavy-tasting" fragrances (such as leather, sweat, and meat flavors) to enhance the sense of reality or wildness. It is often seen in the design of exotic perfumes or special effects in film and television.

Tropical fruit aroma modification: In the flavors of certain sulfur-containing tropical fruits (such as durian and lychee), trace amounts are added to simulate their unique sulfide smell.

(2) Fixatives (controversial applications)

Thiol fixatives: In theory, thiol groups can react with fragrance molecules to delay volatilization, but because of their pungent and unstable odor, they are rarely used in practice and must strictly rely on molecular encapsulation technology (such as cyclodextrin encapsulation) to cover up the odor.

2-Ethyl-1-hexanethiol Properties