Re: similarity in skunk smell and scent of azalea plants - same compound?

The malodor that skunks produce is due to a chemical called n-butyl 
mercaptan (reference 1).  I could not find any information stating that 
azaleas produce this compound.  However, it is possible that they produce a 
related compound, as certain plants (e.g., onions) do produce mercaptans 
(reference 2).  Also, decaying plants and animals produce mercaptans; thus, 
it is possible that what you smell is a product of decaying azaleas.




REFERENCES
1  http://www.animals-b-gone.com/Skunk_Info/skunk_info.html
This site contains a large amount of information about skunks.

2  The Columbia Encyclopedia: Sixth Edition.  2000.