Tetrahydrothiophene


 * For other uses of THT, see THT (disambiguation)

Tetrahydrothiophene is a heterocyclic organic compound consisting of a five-membered ring containing four carbon atoms and a sulfur atom. It is the saturated analog of thiophene. It is a volatile, clear, colorless liquid with a strong unpleasant odor.

Because of its smell, tetrahydrothiophene is occasionally used as an odorant in natural gas, in place of the more common ethanethiol. It is also used as a solvent, as an insecticide, and as a moth repellant. It is an intermediate in the preparation of the solvent sulfolane, which is produced by the oxidation of tetrahydrothiophene. It is also used as an electrolyte for lithium batteries.

As an odorant, it has numerous advantages against ethanethiol. It is not corrosive to the gas pipes and valves, it does not cause habitual desactivation of sense of smell, and it does not cause irritant responses of coughing, tears, and headache. It is regarded to be an ideal gas indicator in use.