The tendency to reduce the content of sulfur compounds in particular H2S and low molecular thiols (RSH) in oil products sets the task of their extraction and disposal in order to obtain practically useful sulfur compounds. Hydrogen sulfide and thiols can be extracted from hydrocarbon fractions using N-methylpyrrolidone-as selective solvent. Hydrogen sulfide can be extracted from the residual oil products using a low energy exposure such as ultrasound and a constant magnetic field. The releasing gas is concentrated in N-methylpyrrolidone. Further, hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans can be used in the chemical synthesis of biologically active thioethers containing a catechol fragment. Another way of H2S and RSH utilization is the chemical adsorption of acidic components by modified polynuclear pivalate (acetate) zinc(II) silica gel. As a result of the interaction of complexes with H2S and RSH, it is possible to obtain zinc sulfide or zinc thiolates, which can be used in various fields of industry or agriculture. Hydrogen sulfide and thiols can also be applied in the electrochemical or microvaved assisted organic synthesis. This approach is promising from the standpoint of environmental safety of synthesis and low energy costs of the reactions. The SH-functionalization of hydrocarbons (indan, indene, decalin, tetralin, naphthalene and 1,2-dihydronaphthalene) leads to obtain biologically active compounds.
Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, thiols, extraction, N-methylpyrrolidone, ultrasonic and magnetic treatment, microwave, redox activation