1,3-Propanedithiol

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.

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 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.

Use in inorganic synthesis
1,3-Propanedithiol reacts with metal ions to form chelate rings. Illustrative is the synthesis of the diiron derivative:
 * Fe3(CO)12 + C3H6(SH)2 →  Fe2(S2C3H6)(CO)6  +  H2  +  Fe(CO)5  +  CO

Safety
The stench of 1,3-propanedithiol can be neutralized with bleach.