Deep Desulfurization of Fossil Fuels by Air in the Absence of a Catalyst

Abstract

Desperately seeking desulfurization: Organic sulfur compounds (OSCs) in transportation fuels contribute to acid rain and can deactivate catalysts in automotive applications. A new catalyst-free method to convert OSCs into sulfones in lactones by air at 140 °C and atmospheric pressure has been developed which can be used in the removal of OSCs from oil fractions or as a post-treatment to remove refractory sulfur after standard hydrodesulfurization.