Oxidation kinetics of dibenzothiophenes using cumene hydroperoxide as an oxidant over MoO3/Al2O3 catalyst

A study in oxidation kinetics of dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4-methyldibenzothiophene (4-MDBT), and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in a model fuel with cumene hydroperoxide as an oxidant over a MoO3/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst was carried out. Effects of the catalyst, hydroperoxide-to-sulfur molar ratio, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the oxidation were investigated in detail. The oxidation kinetics parameters for each sulfur compound were estimated. The oxidation rate constants decreased in the order of DBT > 4-MDBT > 4,6-DMDBT, indicating that the methyl groups around the sulfur atom in dibenzothiophenes have a significant effect on their oxidative reactivity. More than 95% conversion of all dibenzothiophenes was achieved at 75 degrees C with a hydroperoxide-to-sulfur molar ratio of 25 within 60 min. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.