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 SO2 and H2S molecules with the catalyst surface was studied by FTIR 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.