3M3SH (3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol)
• Type: Volatile thioalcohol
• Scent Profile: Sharp, sulfurous, oniony — often compared to BO or cooked leeks
• Natural Role: One of the most pungent compounds in human armpit odor
• How It Forms: Bacteria like Staphylococcus hominis or Corynebacterium break down odorless precursors in sweat, converting them into 3M3SH
• Mongoose Twist: In a wet, swamp-loving mongoose, this compound could easily develop in moist paw crevices — especially post-swim — where Micrococcus luteus and friends are breaking down sweat-like secretions
A mongoose’s feet have a distinct odor that resembles onions.
• “What does the mongoose say when it catches a whiff of its own feet?”
• “PU!”
Interestingly, the scent appears in shades of greenish-pink.