Syn-propanethial-S-oxide in onions

[the guy]

Syn-propanethial-S-oxide is the gas given off when onions are cut which makes ones eyes sting, now it says on various places on the internet that the reason why it stings is because it dissolves in the water in your eyes to give sulfuric acid, but that doesn't seem right to me since

 

Syn-propanethial-S-oxide is C3H6OS

water is H2O

and sulfuric acid is H2SO4

 

if it is right and it does produce sulfuric acid could you give me an equation and if it is wrong could you give an equation with the correct products?

[CaptainPanic]

I also don't think that sulphuric acid is produced. Not enough oxygen.

 

The component itself however looks like a base to me (the charge separation on the O-S group can accept a proton on the oxygen atom)...

So, you will have a change in pH, which you will feel and which triggers the tears in an attempt to wash it out and neutralize it.

 

Just my 2 cents. I'm not the expert.