gem-dithiol

chemical compound

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June 29, 2026

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Gem-dithiols are chemical compounds characterized by having two thiol (-SH) groups attached to the same carbon atom. They are formed through the reversible addition of hydrogen sulfide to thioketones. For instance, the reaction of thioacetone with hydrogen sulfide yields propane-2,2-dithiol, which is a gem-dithiol. These compounds are associated with a highly offensive odor. Thiols, in general, are organic compounds containing a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrocarbon group, and they are known for their strong, often unpleasant, odors.12

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organosulfur compound
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…add hydrogen sulfide to yield gem-dithiols (i.e., having both ―SH groups on the same carbon)—for example, propane-2,2-dithiol, CH₃C(SH)₂CH₃, in the case of thioacetone. It is probably the gem-dithiols rather than the thioketones themselves that are responsible for the extremely offensive smell associated with low-molecular-weight thioketones. Thionocarbonates of type ROC(S)OR′, derived…
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…add hydrogen sulfide to yield gem-dithiols (i.e., having both ―SH groups on the same carbon)—for example, propane-2,2-dithiol, CH₃C(SH)₂CH₃, in the case of thioacetone. It is probably the gem-dithiols rather than the thioketones themselves that are responsible for the extremely offensive smell associated with low-molecular-weight thioketones. Thionocarbonates of type ROC(S)OR′, derived…
Read More