12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols

Authentic skunk spray has become valuable for use in scent-masking products. Show how you would synthesize the major component of skunk spray 3-methylbutane-1-thiol from any of the readily available butene or from buta-1,3-diene.

Many hunting dogs enjoy standing nose-to-nose with a skunk while barking furiously, oblivious to the skunk spray directed toward them. One moderately effective way of lessening the amount of odor is to wash the dog in a bath containing dilute hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and some mild dish detergent. Use chemical reactions to describe how this mixture helps to remove the skunk spray from the dog. The two major components of skunk oil are 3-methylbutane-1-thiol and but-2-ene-1-thiol.

Using an alkyl halide and a thiol as starting materials, how would you prepare the following thioethers? c.

d.