// Science · Glossary

Thiols

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 228

Organosulfur compounds containing a sulfhydryl (-SH) group, found in cannabis at trace levels. Despite their minuscule concentrations, thiols have extremely low odor thresholds and are responsible for the garlic, onion, skunk, and 'dank' aromas in certain cannabis cultivars.

Ian from Abstrax explained on the aromatic volatile episode that thiols are formed through prenylation reactions involving the amino acid cysteine. The discussion highlighted terpinolene thiol, a compound also crucial to ruby red grapefruit aroma, and grapefruit mercaptan, which has such a low odor threshold that a single drop on a pin forced the lab to evacuate for a 4-hour lunch.

Ep. 228 Aromatic Volatiles Deep Dive