Solubilization of elemental sulfur by surfactants promotes reduction to H2S by thiols

Elemental sulfur (S-8) may contribute to sulfane sulfur (S-0) storage in biological systems. We demonstrate that surfactants can solubilize S-8 in water and promote S-8 reduction to H2S by thiols. Moreover, anionic and cationic surfactants interact differently with intermediate S-0 carriers, highlighting how specific hydrophobic microenvironments impact reactive sulfur species.

Automated summary

It is found that surfactants can solubilize sulfur and promote its reduction to hydrogen sulfide by thiols. Anionic and cationic surfactants interact differently with intermediate sulfur carriers, indicating the impact of specific hydrophobic microenvironments on reactive sulfur species.