Decomposition of sulfur compounds by radiolysis: II. By-products and mechanisms

Abstract This study was carried out to identify by-products generated during the decomposition of sulfur compounds using electron beam (EB) irradiation. We also estimated the effect of O 3 on the reaction. As a result, ozone was generated during the decomposition reaction of sulfur compounds by EB and enhanced the removal rate of the target compounds. H 2 S was converted into SO 2 and H 2 SO 3 by reacting with OH, HO 2 , and various radicals formed through EB irradiation. SO 2 , (CH 3 ) 2 S, (CH 3 ) 2 S 2 , (CH 3 ) 2 SO 2 , C 3 H 8 S 2 and R–O–SO 2 –O–R′ were by-products generated from the CH 3 SH decomposition process. (CH 3 ) 2 S was converted to SO 2 , (CH 3 ) 2 S 2 , R–O–SO 2 –O–R′, R–SO 3 − and R–SO 3 H. Finally, H 2 SO 3 , CH 3 SH, (CH 3 ) 2 S, CS 2 , R–O–SO 2 –O–R′, R–SO 3 − , R–SO 3 H, and R–O–SO 2 –R′ were detected as by-products of (CH 3 ) 2 S 2 .