| abstract |
The present invention provides a process for removing mercaptans from a gas stream, comprising the steps: a) providing a first mercaptan-comprising gas stream comprising at least: a mercaptan of the general formula: R 1 -SH, wherein R 1 is an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and in the range of from 0 to 20 vol% of acid components, b) contacting the mercaptan-comprising gas stream with an absorption medium comprising: a base and a substituted disulphide, both present in a specific amount, wherein the substituted disulphide is of the general formula: R 2 -SS-R 3 , wherein: R 2 and R 3 are carbon comprising substituents of which the corresponding R 2 -SH and R 3 -SH thiols have a vapour pressure below the vapour pressure of any R 1 -SH thiol; and at least one of R 2 and R 3 is an electron withdrawing group. |