FTP, identify this class of compounds, a main component of skunk spray and other malodorous substances; alcohol analogues in which the hydroxyl group is replaced with an SH group.
These chemicals received their alternate name because they form stable derivatives of certain heavy metals.  The esters of this class are abnormally susceptible to nucleophilic acyl substitutions, so they are common acylating agents in living systems.  They are often prepared by SN2 reaction of sodium hydrosulfide with unhindered alkyl halides.  FTP, identify this class of compounds, a main component of skunk spray and other malodorous substances; alcohol analogues in which the hydroxyl group is replaced with an SH group.
These chemicals received their alternate name because they form stable derivatives of certain heavy metals.  
thiols (or mercaptans)