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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:30
Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework
Published on: April 9, 2018
Reactions between methanethiol and biologically produced sulfur particles
R C van Leerdam1, P L F van den Bosch, P N L Lens
1Sub-department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen, The Netherlands. robinvanleerdam@live.nl
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 8, 2011
Summary
New biotechnological processes sustainably remove sulfur from hydrocarbons, forming reusable elemental sulfur. Reactions between methanethiol and biosulfur particles enhance removal efficiency by creating polysulfides.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional methods for sulfur compound removal from hydrocarbons are often chemical-intensive.
- Emerging biotechnologies offer sustainable alternatives with reduced chemical consumption and reusable sulfur production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reaction mechanisms between methanethiol (MT) and biosulfur particles in novel bioprocesses.
- To elucidate the formation of polysulfides and their impact on MT removal efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of consecutive reactions between methanethiol and biosulfur particles.
- Kinetic studies considering MT and biosulfur concentrations, temperature, and biosulfur particle characteristics.
- Control experiments using orthorhombic sulfur (S8).
Main Results:
- Methanethiol initiates a reaction cascade by opening the S8 sulfur ring, forming CH3S9(-).
- CH3S9(-) further reacts to produce various polysulfides, dimethyl polysulfides, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
- Longer-chain dimethyl polysulfides were detected at micromolar levels, a reaction not observed with pure S8.
Conclusions:
- The formation of polysulfides through reactions with methanethiol is a key feature of these bioprocesses, enhancing MT removal.
- Understanding these reaction kinetics is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of sustainable sulfur removal technologies.
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