The animal spray that smells like onion is from a skunk.
Understanding the Scent
Skunks are well-known for their potent defense mechanism: spraying a foul-smelling liquid from glands near their anus. The distinctive odor is due to specific chemical compounds present in this spray.
The Chemistry Behind the Smell
The reference explains that skunk spray contains an oily secretion with sulfur compounds called thiols. These are organic compounds responsible for the powerful and long-lasting smell.
- Sulfur: Often associated with unpleasant odors like rotten eggs.
- Thiols: A specific type of sulfur compound.
Notably, the reference highlights that thiols specifically are organic compounds also found in garlic and onions. This is why skunk spray can have notes that resemble the pungent smell of these common kitchen ingredients.
The combination of various thiols gives skunk spray its characteristic, complex, and notoriously offensive odor, which includes hints of garlic or onion for some people.
