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sulfide

organic
Also known as: organic sulfide, thioether

Quick Summary

Sulfides are organic compounds where two organic groups are attached to a sulfur atom, similar to how ethers have two organic groups attached to an oxygen atom. These organic groups can be alkyl, aryl, or one of each. If the sulfur atom connects different parts of the same carbon chain, it forms a cyclic sulfide, also known as a heterocycle.12

Lower-molecular-weight sulfides often have strong, unpleasant odors, with some contributing to smells like garlic breath. Many naturally occurring compounds contain sulfides, including the essential amino acid methionine, and various animal secretions used for marking trails. Sulfides are also found in crude oil and are used in fungicides and herbicides. Some sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds are of interest for their use as organic metals and superconductors.12

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