👉 The "Henderson fumes" refer to a class of organic compounds, primarily known for their distinctive odor, which resembles a mixture of sulfur and hydrogen chloride (HCl). These fumes are often described as having a pungent, acrid smell that can be overwhelming and irritating. They are typically produced by the thermal decomposition of certain sulfur-containing organic materials, such as thiophenes, or through the reaction of sulfur with halogens like chlorine. The name "Henderson fumes" is named after the British chemist William Henry, who first described and documented these compounds in the 19th century. Despite their strong odor, they are not harmful to humans in small concentrations but can cause respiratory issues and irritation in high concentrations or prolonged exposure.
