Mathew Kagis wrote:

> Just heard something on CBC Radio on Asparagus.... According to them, the
> chemical which causes the raunchy smell when answering the call of nature,
> is one very much on topic for this group.... Mercaptin. who knew?

As Jim already said, mercaptans (thiols) are an entire class of
molecule. In addition, while mercaptans may account for *some* of the
smell, the major component is dimethyl sulfide -- not a mercaptan, but a
related sulfide. I'm afraid that they got the wrong end of the stick on
that one...

Mark Lipton