Is Thiol a Good Nucleophile?

Compounds incorporating a C–S–H functional group are named thiols or mercaptans. Despite their similarity, they are stronger acids and more powerful nucleophiles than alcohols.

Why is thiols a better nucleophilic than alcohols?

Thiols are more nucleophilic than alcohols, and thiolates. Since nucleophilicity is measured by reaction rate, that means that these sulfur nucleophiles tend to react faster with typical electrophiles (like alkyl halides) than their oxygen-based cousins.

Are alcohols good nucleophiles?

The Conjugate Base Of An Alcohol Is A Better Nucleophile

Hydroxyl groups in R–OH are poor nucleophiles because they're neutral and the electron pair is held tightly to the oxygen.