Thiolate ion

Definition

A thiolate ion is the conjugate base of a thiol, formed when a thiol loses a proton (H+) from its sulfur atom. It is represented by the formula R-S^-, where R is an organic group.

Related terms

Thiol:

A compound containing a sulfhydryl group (-SH) attached to an organic group, similar to alcohols but with sulfur replacing oxygen.

Conjugate base:

The species that remains after an acid has donated a proton during a chemical reaction, often more reactive than its parent acid.

Protonation:

The addition of a proton (H+) to an atom, molecule, or ion, typically increasing its positive charge or converting it back to its acid form.