Hexadecanethiol

1-Hexadecanethiol is a chemical compound from the group of thiols. Its chemical formula is C
₁₆H
₃₄S.^[1][2]

Hexadecanethiol

Names
Preferred IUPAC name Hexadecane-1-thiol
Other names 1-hexadecanethiol; hexadecyl mercaptan, 1-mercaptohexadecane, cetyl mercaptan
Identifiers
CAS Number	2917-26-2 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	17019
ECHA InfoCard	100.018.952
PubChem CID	18015
UNII	QR98QIO1QL Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID6062709
InChI InChI=1S/C16H34S/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17/h17H,2-16H2,1H3 Key: ORTRWBYBJVGVQC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCS
Properties
Chemical formula	C16H34S
Molar mass	258.51 g·mol−1
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	0,85 g/cm3
Melting point	18–20 °C (64–68 °F; 291–293 K)
Boiling point	334 °C (633 °F; 607 K)
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Warning
Flash point	135 °C (275 °F; 408 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Synthesis

1-Hexadecanethiol can be obtained by reacting 1-bromohexadecane with thiourea.

Properties

1-Hexadecanethiol is a combustible colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor, which is practically insoluble in water.^[3]

Applications

1-Hexadecanethiol is used as a synthesis chemical. The compound is also used for the production of nanoparticles and hydrophobic self-assembling monolayers. The high affinity of the thiol group to the elements of the copper group causes the thiols to spontaneously deposit in a high-order layer when a corresponding metal of a 1-hexadecanethiol solution is exposed.^[4]

Toxicology and safety

The substance decomposes upon combustion with the formation of toxic gases, including sulfur oxides. It reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents, acids, reducing agents, and metals.