C
8H
7N - the compound formerly known as
indol (according to Webster 1913). This
aromatic compound is found in some plants, and
coal tar, and used in
jasmine and
orange blossom perfume. If you're into
chemistry, you might be interested to know that its molecules consist of a
benzene ring fused to a
nitrogen-containing five-membered ring. It melts at 52 degrees C and boils at 253 degrees C.
However, indole is more commonly known thanks to the bacteria which can produce it as a by-product of breaking down the amino acid tryptophan in your intestines. In other words, indole is the reason your shit stinks.*
Cf. mercaptan, skatole and hydrogen sulfide.