thiols

Thiols are organic compounds containing a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and to carbon atoms. They are similar to alcohols, but instead of an oxygen atom, they have sulfur. Thiols often have a strong, skunk-like smell and are found naturally in some foods and biological molecules. They play important roles in biological processes, such as in the stability of proteins and the smell of garlic and onions. Chemically, thiols are reactive and can form important bonds used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.