Thiolate ion (RS–)

Definition

A thiolate ion is the conjugate base of a thiol, resulting from the deprotonation of a thiol (RSH) where R represents an alkyl or aryl group. It consists of a sulfur atom bonded to an organic group and carrying a negative charge.

Related terms

Thiol:

A compound containing a sulfhydryl group attached to an alkyl or aryl group, similar in structure to an alcohol but with sulfur replacing oxygen.

Deprotonation:

The removal of a proton (H+) from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a conjugate base.

Conjugate Base:

An entity that forms by the removal of a proton from an acid, capable of accepting a proton in the reverse reaction