[4] The scent of 1-butanethiol is so strong that the human nose can easily detect it in the air at concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion.

The threshold level for 1-butanethiol is reported as 1.4 ppb[5] Butane-1-thiol is chemically classified among the thiols, which are organic compounds with molecular formulas and structural formulas similar to alcohols, except that the sulfur-containing sulfhydryl group (-SH) replaces the oxygen-containing hydroxyl group (-OH) in the molecule.

Butane-1-thiol is used as an industrial solvent,[citation needed] and as an intermediate for cotton defoliants.

Butane-1-thiol is a very noxious and caustic chemical compound, and at sufficiently high concentrations, it produces serious health effects in both humans and animals, especially as a result of prolonged exposure.

[citation needed] Inhalation may cause weakness, confusion, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.