Kinetics and Mechanism of low-Temperature Oxidation of H2S with Oxygen in the gas Phase

Abstract

The possibility of the formation of polysulfides during oxidation of H2 S with oxygen on oxide catalysts has been checked, and the sequence of the reaction stages at temperatures below the sulfur dew point determined. The amount of polysulfides formed during H2 S oxidation has been found to exceed significantly that obtained in the reaction of sulfur with H2 S. Polysulfides are concluded to be intermediates in H2 S oxidation to sulfur. The rate of formation of SO2 from sulfur vapor is shown to be negligibly low at 100-200°C. A reaction scheme involving the formation of sulfur from polysulfides and the formation of sulfur dioxide by direct oxidation of H2 S is suggested.