Can You Taste PTC?

A synthetic substance called phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) is one of the molecules some people perceive as tasting bitter.

A ball and stick figure of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) molecule.

Paper coated with PTC tastes bitter to some people but is almost tasteless to others. The ability to taste PTC correlates with the ability to taste some bitter foods.

A woman reacting to a bitter taste.
Reaction to bitter taste