Catalytic synthesis of methanethiol from methanol and carbon disulfide over KW/Al2O3 catalysts

• CS2 instead of H2S was employed as starting S precursor.
• The KW/Al catalysts can undergo the sulfurization process.
• Optimum K/W mole ratio is K/W = 2/1.
• K2W1/Al catalyst shows higher CH3OH conversion and CH3SH selectivity.

A series of KW/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with varying K/W mole ratio were prepared for the synthesis of methanethiol from carbon disulfide and methanol, and characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD and NH3/CO2-TPD techniques. Experimental results showed that the acidic and basic property of the catalyst plays a key role on the catalytic performance. It is shown that the conversion of CH3OH is chiefly related to the acid sites, while the base sites of catalysts are favorable for the selectivity toward CH3SH and hydrocarbons, but the strong base sites will restrain the selectivity toward CH3SH. When the K/W mole ratio is K/W = 2/1 and the reaction temperature is at 603 K, the conversion of CH3OH and the selectivity toward CH3SH are 98.3 and 56.2%, respectively.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide