The features of the catalytic synthesis of methanethiol from dimethyl sulfide

The characteristic features of methanethiol synthesis from dimethyl sulfide and H2S in the presence of Al2O3 at atmospheric pressure and T = 320-500A degrees C have been studied. It has been shown that the yield of methanethiol increases with an increase in the temperature, the H2S-to-dimethyl sulfide ratio, and the contact time, attaining equilibrium values. The methanethiol formation rate is proportional to the dimethyl sulfide partial pressure raised to a power of 0.4 and the H2S partial pressure raised to a power of 0.8. An increase in the specific surface area and the volume of transport pores and a decrease in the particle sizes of Al2O3 facilitate the augmentation of the catalyst activity in methanethiol formation. At T similar to 400A degrees C, a low H2S concentration, and a long contact time, the side reaction of dimethyl sulfide cracking occurs to result in the release of methane and the deposition of sulfur-containing and carbonaceous compounds on the surface, which lower the activity of alumina. The deactivated catalyst can be regenerated by oxidation.