What is "thiazole"

n. (context organic compound English) Any of a class of unsaturated heterocyclic compounds containing a ring of three carbon atoms, a sulphur and an nitrogen atom; especially the simplest one, C₃H₃SN.

Thiazole, or 1,3-thiazole, is a heterocyclic compound that contains both sulfur and nitrogen; the term 'thiazole' also refers to a large family of derivatives. Thiazole itself is a pale yellow liquid with a pyridine-like odor and the molecular formula CHNS. The thiazole ring is notable as a component of the vitamin thiamine (B).