Abstract: Factors affecting plasma oxidative desulfurization of organic sulfides in mixture with n-heptane were investigated. As organic sulfide isobutyl mercaptan(1.20%), ethyl thioether(1.44%), and thiophene(1.32%)with n-heptane were examined separately. The results show that the plasma load of power, i.e. ratio of oxygen flow rate to plasma power, and reaction time are primary factors affecting the desulfurization, when the temperature of reactant was about -85℃. Under reasonable conditions, the degree of desulfurization of isobutyl mercaptan, ethyl-thioether and thiophene can be achieved up to 99%, 80% and 79% respectively.

Key words: plasma, oxidative desulfurization, liquid phase, mercaptan, thioether, thiophene