Explore thiol functional groups in chemistry and biology applications with key examples using Orbit molecular models.
Thiols, also known as mercaptans, are organic compounds containing a sulfur-hydrogen (-SH) group attached to a carbon. They play critical roles in chemistry, from nucleophilic reactions and disulfide bond formation to redox chemistry, as well as in biology, where cysteine residues contribute to protein structure and enzyme activity. Orbit thiol molecular models help students visualize stereochemistry, sulfur bonding, and molecular conformation, making them ideal for chemistry majors studying reaction mechanisms, and for biology, premed, and nursing students exploring enzyme active sites, protein folding, and cellular redox processes.
Indigo Instruments has held inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) atoms & bonds for 30+ years. These parts are compatible with every molecular model set we have sold since day 1. This quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
Compound | Chemistry Use Case | Biology / Medicine Relevance |
---|---|---|
Methanethiol | Teaches SH group acidity and nucleophilic substitution; oxidation to dimethyl disulfide. | Trace metabolic occurrence; used for smell studies and lab exercises. |
Cysteine | Model for disulfide bond formation; redox reactivity. | Essential amino acid; forms disulfide bridges in proteins, critical for structure and enzyme activity. |
Glutathione | Tripeptide thiol for oxidation-reduction and conjugation reactions. | Major cellular antioxidant; protects cells from oxidative stress and supports detoxification. |
Thiophenol | Aromatic thiol; teaches nucleophilic and electrophilic reactions. | Analog studies for enzyme-substrate interactions; limited direct biological role. |
Four thiols are shown in the image, methanethiol, butanethiol, 2-(methylthio)ethanol which is a flavoring agent and an amino acid, cysteine. You would need to buy extra sulfur atoms, part number 68828C, to build more than one of these at a time. Build these & other thiols with the Indigo® Instruments 3D Molecular Model Builder
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