Catalytic synthesis of dialkyl sulfides from dialkyl disulfides

Abstract

Dialkyl disulfides R₂S₂ where R = Me, Et, or Pr, both as individual compounds and as their mixtures, isolated from petroleum products can turn into alkanethiols and dialkyl sulfides under the action of catalysts having strong acid sites and medium-strength basic sites on their surface. In a helium atmosphere, the main conversion products are alkanethiols, while dialkyl sulfides form in low yield at a selectivity of no higher than 20%. A much higher dialkyl sulfide selectivity is attained in the reaction involving methanol. The most efficient catalyst for this reaction is alumina, with which the dialkyl sulfide selectivity is up to 99%.