An organic–inorganic hybrid compound constructed by polytungsto-vanadosilicate and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium as an efficient catalyst for demercaptanization of crude oil

[C16H33N(CH3)3]4H3SiV3W9O40 has been synthesized by reaction of Na10[α-SiW9O34] with sodium vanadate and encapsulated by cetyltrimethyl ammonium. Then this organic–inorganic hybrid compound condensation with titanium tetraisopropoxide at 100 °C via sol–gel method under oil-bath condition. [C16H33N(CH3)3]4H3SiV3W9O40-TiO2 was prepared. The materials characterized by IR, XRD, TEM and UV–vis techniques. This alkyl ammonium keggin- type nanoparticle be able to scavenge mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (with high yield) in the presence of H2O2. This system provides a practical, convenient and efficient method for scavenging of sulfur compound in light and heavy crude oil.