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Basic IUPAC Organic Nomenclature

Thiols

Nomenclature
Formula
3D structure
Functional class name = alkyl mercaptan

Substituent suffix = -thiol e.g. ethanethiol

Substituent prefix = sulfanyl-   e.g.

Structural unit :  alcohols contain R-SH

Note: Thiols are the sulfur analogues of alcohols

  • Functional group is a thiol, therefore suffix = -thiol
  • Hydrocarbon structure is an alkane therefore -ane
  • The longest continuous chain is C3 therefore root = prop
  • It doesn't matter which end we number from, the alcohol group locant is 2-
propane-2-thiol
or
2-propanethiol


thiol

CH3CH(SH)CH3



organic chemistry ©Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary