Method for preparing mercaptans by sulfhydrolysis of dialkyl sulfides with catalyst pretreatment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing at least one mercaptan, comprising the following steps: i) treatment of a catalyst for the sulfhydrolysis of at least one dialkyl sulfide, preferably a zeolite, said treatment comprising the following steps: 1) heating said catalyst, preferably in the presence of an inert gas; and 2) placing said catalyst in contact with hydrogen sulfide (H2S); and then ii) a sulfhydrolysis reaction in which at least one dialkyl sulfide is reacted with H2S in the presence of said catalyst treated according to step i), to obtain at least one mercaptan; said catalyst being a zeolite.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.