Heterogeneous catalytic synthesis of alkanethiols and dialkyl sulfides from alcohols and hydrogen sulfide

The results of studies of the heterogeneous acid-base catalysis of reactions of alcohols with hydrogen sulfides, which yield alkanethiols and dialkyl sulfides, are surveyed. Data concerning the activity and selectivity of the catalysts under the reaction conditions are considered. A relation is established between the catalytic and acid–base properties of the catalysts. The mechanism of the thiolation reaction is discussed and the criteria for the selection of the effective catalysts are formulated. The bibliography includes 97 references.