Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (production)

Jacques Lucien

Joel Barrault

Michel Guisnet

Raymond Maurel

The invention concerns a new process for the production of primary and secondary mercaptans. The invention is based on the fact that it is possible to cause an hydrogen exchange between a thioaldehyde or a thioketone and a mercaptan with very good selectivity and conversion yields.

Process for the production of mercaptans

Preparation of a thiophene by the action of H.sub.2 S on an organic substance containing oxygen or sulphur. The substance which is used is an unsaturated carbonyl or thiocarbonyl compound, particularly an aldehyde, thioaldehyde, ketone or thioketone. The reaction preferably takes place between 250.degree. and 500.degree. C. on a catalyst of the alumina type containing an alkali or alkaline earth oxide. The process permits the unsubstituted or substituted thiophene to be obtained with high yields and high degrees of selectivity, exceeding 70%.

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Le Mesnil Esnard, France

Jacques Lucien