The Claus reaction: VI. The reaction mechanism over a Sn-Mo oxide catalyst

Based on the comparison of reactant conversions in pulses on the stationary surface of the catalyst, the Claus reaction is found to occur via a stepwise mechanism. The nature of interaction of the SO,, and H,.,S molecules with the catalyst surface was studied by MR and UV-VIS spectroscopy and the reactivity of the adsorbed species was studied in situ. The intermediate adsorbed reactant species are determined. A scheme of the reaction mechanism over the Sn-Mo oxide catalyst is discussed.