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Disulfide Oxidation in Water: Thiosulfinate Intermediates Dictate Redox Fate
Shikang Wu1, John C Crittenden1, Peizhe Sun1
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Disulfides (RSSR) transform in water via thiosulfinate intermediates. Hydrolysis of these intermediates offers a pathway to less toxic sulfonic acids, aiding in sulfurous pollutant control and odor reduction.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Aquatic Chemistry
- Sulfur Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Disulfides (RSSR) are common environmental pollutants from industrial and biological sources.
- Their environmental fate and transformation in aquatic systems are not well understood.
- RSSR contribute to odor and byproduct formation during water treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the oxidative transformation network of disulfides (RSSR) in aquatic environments.
- To identify key intermediates and their reactivity.
- To provide a framework for controlling sulfurous pollutants.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic analysis of disulfide oxidation.
- Computational chemistry to model reaction pathways.
- Investigation of thiosulfinate (RS(O)SR) intermediate reactivity.
Main Results:
- Thiosulfinates (RS(O)SR) are identified as key intermediates in RSSR transformation.
- RS(O)SR undergo competing oxidation, hydrolysis, and reduction.
- Hydrolysis of RS(O)SR, promoted by OH- or intramolecular cyclization, leads to less toxic sulfonic acids.
Conclusions:
- A structure-reactivity framework for RSSR transformation was developed.
- Hydrolysis of thiosulfinates is a favorable pathway for detoxifying sulfurous pollutants.
- Findings offer guidance for water treatment strategies to minimize odor and byproducts.
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