Why do sulfur compounds smell?

Question

Many of the compounds of sulfur have a strong odor. Hydrogen sulfide from rotten eggs, the mercaptans of a skunk, the odor compounds in onions and garlic, the bitter taste of brassicas (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and similar plants) are all sulfur compounds. What is it about sulfur that makes this so common?

Answer 1

These sulfur-containing molecules are highly volatile, and this property makes them easily available to detection by your nose. In addition, only very low concentration of these molecules is sufficient to trigger a strong signal once binding to specific receptors. OR2T11 (Olfactory receptor 2T11) is a known receptor for such molecules, and the unique "Sulfur-like" smell is translated to your brain following binding.