Solubility of Total Reduced Sulfurs (Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, Dimethyl Sulfide, and Dimethyl Disulfide) in Liquids

Abstract

The solubility of the total reduced sulfurs, which include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (methanethiol, CH3SH), dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3), and dimethyl disulfide (CH3S2CH3), is of great interest in various applications in the chemical, oil, and gas industries and in environmental protection as well. They can occur naturally in the environment and can also be present in numerous industrial gaseous streams (petroleum, natural gas, some chemical industries like the pulp and paper industry). The aim of this review is to update different aspects concerning the solubility data of these compounds in various liquids, which are essential for the design and operation of absorption scrubbing equipment and/or of interest in many technical areas (e.g., the petroleum and natural gas industry). The review deals with the compound's characterization in direct connection with their source and a survey of relevant existing experimental data including (i) all data concerning the solubility of methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide published generally before January 2006 as well as (ii) data concerning the solubility of hydrogen sulfide published generally after January 1987. The liquids include water, aqueous electrolyte solutions, nonaqueous solvents, and alkanolamines. Both pure compounds and mixtures are considered.