Composition and process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous streams

An apparatus for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gaseous stream comprising:

• a vessel containing a sorbent solution, said sorbent solution comprising a substantially non-aqueous solvent having a low vapor pressure and a high electron donor number, a concentration of a polyvalent reducible metal ion in an oxidative state sufficient to oxidize hydrogen sulfide present in said gaseous stream to at least one soluble sulfur compound, and a counter-ion for the metal ion, which vessel substantially protects the sorbent solution from exposure to air;
• means for contacting said gaseous stream with the sorbent solution in the vessel, contacting forming said at least one soluble sulfur compound without forming elemental sulfur;
• and
• means for regenerating the oxidative state of the metal ion reduced by the hydrogen sulfide, whereby said at least one soluble sulfur compound remains soluble during and subsequent to said regeneration.