Does anyone know if there is a similar chemical in coffe and skunk spray? Sometimes they smell alike.
2006-07-04 10:41:06 · 7 answers · asked by blondjason1221 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
There are similar chemicals in skunk spray and coffee, in the general sense, but nowhere near similar concentrations.
The compound that gives skunk spray its characteristic stench is n-butyl mercaptan (CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-SH). It is present in skunk spray in very high concentrations.
There are two mercaptans that are found in coffee, methyl mercaptan (CH3-SH) and furfuryl mercaptan (C4H3O-CH2-SH), also called 2-(mercaptomethyl) furan. The latter compound is used by the fragrance industry to recreate the aroma of roasted coffee. These compounds occur in coffee in tiny, miniscule amounts. So tiny, in fact, that you need a gas chromatograph to find them. So don't worry. Drinking coffee is not at all like drinking concentrated skunk spray, and you are not in any danger from these chemicals.
You've got a sensitive nose to pick up on the similarity between skunk odor and coffee, though. Ever thought about working in perfumery? I hear they pay excellent money for people with good noses.
2006-07-04 11:11:02 · answer #1 · answered by nardhelain 5 · 11⤊ 1⤋
Skunk Smell Chemical
2016-11-14 20:30:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Might be some sort of a thiol compound.
The smell of skunk spray comes from the chemical compounds it contains, thiols. Thiols are also responsible for the odor of rotten eggs. Interestingly, thiol compounds are also found in great-tasting foods such as garlic and coffee — but in minute quantities compared with the thiol-loaded skunk spray. So, a little thiol contributes to making a good smell, but a lot of thiol is bad. This curious nuance has yet to be explained by scientists who study olfaction ("olfaction" is the name for the sense of smell).
2006-07-04 10:52:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even more so the smell of raw coffee beans being roasted to skunky funky smell
2017-03-05 22:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by KRISTINA 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
boy am i glad I dont drink your brand of coffee, but there are alot of similair smells, skunk bud really smels the closest to skunks to mel
2006-07-04 10:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by bestwrencher 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I sure hope not because I love coffee!
2006-07-04 10:45:40 · answer #6 · answered by Author Al 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
what the hell kinda coffee you drinkin', boy?
2006-07-04 10:44:06 · answer #7 · answered by Dan H 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋