// Definition
Sulfur-containing organic compounds (thiols) sometimes present as stabilizers in hydrocarbon solvents used for cannabis extraction. Mercaptans can react with terpenes to form sulfonated terpene compounds, creating undesirable contamination in the final extract.
// From the Episode
Mark Scialdone introduced mercaptans during the extraction chemistry discussion in episode 031. He explained that these sulfur-containing compounds, sometimes used as stabilizers in gases, are 'just nasty compounds' that can react with terpenes to create sulfonated terpenes. Bubbleman asked whether NMR analysis could detect the molecular-level bonding of mercaptans to oils during hydrocarbon extraction.