Modeling of the processing of alkanthiols into disulfides using ionic liquids

A functional model of environmentally safe and energy-saving technology for removal of toxic alcanthiols for their processing into practically useful disulfides using ionic liquids is proposed. The process is based on mediator electrooxidation of alcanthiols removed from liquid fuels by extraction with ionic liquids. The developed method of indirect electrosynthesis of symmetrical disulfides is realized under mild conditions, in the environment of electrically conductive ionic liquids, acting as a solvent and background electrolyte. The use of mediator contributes to the increase of electrosynthesis efficiency and reduction of energy consumption for its realization in comparison with the direct electrochemical oxidative transformation of alcanthiols into disulfides.