Reactivity of 3-sulfanyl-1-hexanol and catechol-containing phenolics in vitro

► The reactivity between 3-sulfanyl-1-hexanol and phenolics in vitro was studied with ESI-MS. ► Transition metals and sulfite are key to the reactivity of 3-sulfanyl-1-hexanol and selected phenolics in vitro. ► A direct addition reaction between 3-sulfanyl-1-hexanol and 4-methylcatechol is shown.