Catalytic Conversion of Petroleum Dialkyl Disulfides to Dialkyl Sulfides

Abstract

A mixture of lower dialkyl disulfides (R = C₁–C₂) obtained by the demercaptanization of petrochemicals is converted to alkanethiols and dialkyl sulfides under the action of solid acid catalysts. In a helium medium, the main reaction products are methanethiol and ethanethiol; the total dialkyl sulfide selectivity is less than 20%. In a mixture of disulfides with methanol, the main reaction products are dimethyl, methyl ethyl, and diethyl sulfides; the total selectivity for these products achieves 98%.