Hydrodesulphurization of ethanethiol and related reactions over CoO-MoO3-Al2O3 and molybdenum disulphide catalysts

Abstract

Hydrodesulphurization (h.d.s.) of ethanethiol, hydrogenation of ethene, h.d.s. of diethylsulphide and some relevant exchange reactions with deuterium have been examined on CoO-MoO₃-Al₂O₃(CMA) and related catalysts. In the presence of sulphur-containing reactants, CMA undergoes partial sulphiding and the catalytic properties become closely similar to those of molybdenum disulphide.

The differences in the catalytic behaviour of the oxide form of CMA and the sulphided form are discussed and the relative rates of the various reactions on sulphided-CMA and MoS₂ are compared in order to establish in outline a mechanistic scheme.