Merox and Related Metal Phthalocyanine Catalyzed Oxidation Processes

Alkyl and aromatic mercaptans are among important organic sulfur compounds distributed in petroleum products. The mercaptans cause foul odor and are corrosive toward metals. In addition, mercaptans may cause oxidative deterioration as well as inhibit the performance of various additives (TEL, antioxidants) in finished products. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them, either by extractive processes or by converting them into innocuous disulfides. Such processes are usually referred to as “sweetening.”