Density 1.08 g/cm³ | Appearance Colorless liquid | |
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1,3-Propanedithiol is the chemical compound with the formula HSCH2CH2CH2SH. This dithiol is a useful reagent in organic synthesis. This liquid, which is readily available commercially, has an intense stench.
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Use in organic synthesis
1,3-Propanedithiol is mainly used for the protection of aldehydes and ketones via their reversible formation of dithianes. A prototypical reaction is its formation of 1,3-dithiane from formaldehyde. The reactivity of this dithiane illustrates the concept of umpolung.
The unpleasant odour of 1,3-propanedithiol has encouraged the development of alternative reagents that generate similar derivatives.
1,3-Propanedithiol is used in the synthesis of tiapamil.
Use in inorganic synthesis
1,3-Propanedithiol reacts with metal ions to form chelate rings. Illustrative is the synthesis of the derivative diiron propanedithiolate hexacarbonyl upon reaction with triiron dodecacarbonyl:
Fe3(CO)12 + C3H6(SH)2 → Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6 + H2 + Fe(CO)5 + COSafety
The stench of 1,3-propanedithiol can be neutralized with bleach.