Oxidation of dibenzothiophene using oxygen and a vanadophosphate catalyst for ultra-deep desulfurization of diesels

A bicapped Keggin structure vanadophosphate showed high catalytic activity in the oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) to sulfone using molecular oxygen as oxidant under mild reaction conditions. This is a promising approach to the ultra-deep desulfurization of fuels (e.g. diesel) as sulfones can be removed from the fuel by extraction or selective adsorption.

Graphical AbstractOxygen was by interaction with a vanadophosphate, and it oxidized dibenzothiophene to sulfone.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide