MERCAPTANS
Noun
mercaptans
plural of mercaptan
Source: Wiktionary
MERCAPTAN
Mer*cap"tan, n. Etym: [F., fr. NL. mercurius mercury + L. captans, p.
pr. of captare to seize, v. intens. fr. capere.] (Chem.)
Definition: Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol
radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing
sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur
alcohols. In general, they are colorless liquids having a strong,
repulsive, garlic odor. The name is specifically applied to ethyl
mercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other
metals.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition