Compounds · Other compounds · Sulphur compounds
Dimethyl trisulfide
Also known as DMTS — an analysis may use any of these names
Rotten onion, overcooked cabbage, with a metallic note. Very strong at extremely low concentration.
- CAS
- 3658-80-8
- Formula
- C2H6S3
- Molar mass
- 126.26
- Odour threshold
- 0.100 ppbin water
- Boiling point
- ≈ 170 °C at atmospheric pressure
For this compound the two axes sit close together. Volatility tells you whether it leaves a surface early or late; the threshold tells you how much of it the nose needs before it notices.
Where it comes from
Biosynthetic pathway: Sulphur compounds — enzymes cut sulphur precursors the moment tissue is damaged.
About the threshold figure
Very low. That is why a small amount of sulphur compounds is enough to dominate the smell of a whole pot.
Published thresholds differ by several orders of magnitude, because of differences in measuring method, sample purity and panel. The figure here is an order of magnitude for relative comparison, not a measurement. We give it only for compounds where the literature broadly agrees — 52 of the 106 compounds in the library. The rest are left blank rather than guessed.
Why it sits where it does
A chain of three sulphur atoms; the molecule is not large, but sulphur is heavy, so it boils at around 170 degrees.
Where else you meet it
Durian, cooked onion and garlic, cabbage kept too long, and some cheeses.