mɜːrˈkæptən

Definitions

1. noun

a highly volatile liquid organic compound, especially a thiol, used as a fuel additive to reduce the freezing point of gasoline and as a precursor in the manufacture of some pesticides.

“The refineries added mercaptan to the gasoline to make it easier to handle in cold weather.”

2. noun

a compound that contains a thio group (-SH).

“Mercaptans are used in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of plastics and rubber.”