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From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: sci.research,sci.psychology,sci.bio,sci.chem
Subject: Re: Skunk Glands
Summary: 1-butanethiol
Keywords: skunk odor, 1-butanethiol, PU :-)
Message-ID: <4797@kitty.UUCP>
Date: 14 Mar 91 05:34:08 GMT
References: <1991Mar14.005509.20271@massey.ac.nz>
Followup-To: sci.bio,sci.chem
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
Lines: 22

In article <1991Mar14.005509.20271@massey.ac.nz> A.S.Chamove@massey.ac.nz (A.S. Chamove) writes:
>I am interested in making some SKUNK ODOUR.
>Does anyone know if this can be done, have a reference as to its
>composition, or had any experience in its manufacture?

	1-butanethiol (n-butyl mercaptan) is a pretty close approximation to
skunk odor.  It is a flammable liquid, and is available from laboratory
chemical suppliers. 

	For further "reality", add some 1,1-thiochlorobutene (dimethylallyl
sulfide).  This substance may not be readily available and may require some
custom synthesis

>It is likely to be quite a complex compound and I am really interested in
>copying its aversive properties.

	While the precise composition may be complex, skunk odor can be
well approximated using just the above two ingredients.

Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp.  "Have you hugged your cat today?"
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