Reactions of sulphur‐containing hydrocarbons in an electrical discharge

Abstract

A study has been made into the effects of a low frequency semi‐corona discharge on carbon disulphide, ethyl mercaptan, amyl mercaptan and thiophene present as 1–2% sulphur/hydrocarbon mixtures. Semi‐corona discharge, which was carried out at atmospheric pressure, has resulted in the partial desulphurisation of the sulphur‐containing hydrocarbon mixtures. The efficiency of the desulphurisation was influenced by the techniques employed and by the nature of the central electrode. In almost all instances the reactions were accompanied by the formation of solid material.