Some chemistry of organosulphur compound types occurring in heavy oil sands: 2. Influence of pH on the high temperature hydrolysis of tetrahydrothiophene and thiophene

The hydrolysis of thiophene at high temperatures and pressures has been examined in relation to the steam-stimulated recovery of high-sulphur tar sands and heavy oils. The influence of pH has been examined in the hydrolysis of both thiophene and tetrahydrothiophene considered to be reasonable models for organosulphur molecular types in heavy oils. Mechanisms are proposed to account for the products observed under acidic, neutral and basic conditions.