Thioalcohols
Sulfur-containing organic molecules responsible for the sharp, sulfurous smell of human underarm odor. Formed when bacteria convert odorless gland secretions, they are the primary source of characteristic body smell.
These sulfur-containing organic molecules are the primary cause of sharp, sulfurous underarm odor in humans. Produced when skin bacteria like Staphylococcus hominis biotransform odorless gland secretions, they feature a sulfur atom that gives them a distinct pungent quality. The most notable example is 3-methyl-3-sulphanylhexan-1-ol (3M3SH), which serves as the main source of characteristic human body smell.
What this means in real life
The distinctive smell of garlic and onions comes from thioalcohols released when you cut them; these sulfur compounds are what make your breath smell after eating them.
What it isn’t
Not the same as regular alcohols (which contain –OH groups). While both are functional groups, thioalcohols are far more reactive and have very different chemical properties, including stronger odors and greater involvement in biological redox chemistry.
Commonly misused online
Sometimes conflated with 'sulfur compounds' broadly, but thioalcohols are a specific class with an –SH group; not all sulfur-containing molecules are thioalcohols.
Based on 2 reference sources, including primary sources. Last verified July 11, 2026.