Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide removal and conversion method in which a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas stream is contacted with a regenerable washing solution containing solubilized vanadium thiocyanate ions, a carboxylate complexing agent and one or more water-soluble quinones capable of solubilizing tetravalent vanadium. The molar ratio of vanadium to quinone(s) in the washing solution is selected to substantially reduce or eliminate the formation of contaminant sulfate salts. The absorbed hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur which, after oxidative regeneration of the washing solution, is separated from the regenerated solution.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrogen sulfide-containing hydrogenated Claus process tail gas to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in which said gas is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution containing a water-soluble metal vanadate, a water-soluble anthraquinone disulfonate, and a water-soluble, inorganic fluoride, borate, or phosphate complexing agent to yield an effluent gas to reduced sulfur content. The solution is thereafter regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas, elemental sulfur is recovered from the solution, and the regenerated solution is recycled to the gas-contacting step. The complexing agent contained in the solution reduces the chemical consumption of the anthraquinone disulfonate.

Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide removal and conversion method in which a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas stream is contacted with a substantially quinone-free aqueous washing solution containing, inter alia, solubilized vanadium, thiocyanate ions, and one or more water-soluble nonquinone aromatic compounds capable of solubilizing tetravalent vanadium. The absorbed hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur which, after oxidative regeneration of the washing solution, is separated from the regenerated solution.

Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide removal and conversion method in which a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas stream is contacted with a regenerable washing solution capable of absorbing the hydrogen sulfide and converting the hydrogen sulfide to hydrophobic elemental sulfur particles. After oxidative regeneration of the washing solution, the sulfur particles are transferred to a nonaqueous carrier liquid to thereby form a substantially nonaqueous sulfur slurry which is then heated to melt the sulfur and form a dense liquid sulfur product which separates by gravity from the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrogen sulfide-containing hydrogenated Claus process tail gas to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in which said gas is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution containing a water-soluble metal vanadate, a water-soluble anthraquinone disulfonate, and a water-soluble phenolic complexing agent or a water-soluble carboxylic complexing agent, to yield an effluent gas of reduced sulfur content. The solution is thereafter regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas, elemental sulfur is recovered from the solution, and the regenerated solution is recycled to the gas-contacting step. The complexing agent contained in the solution reduces the chemical consumption of the anthraquinone disulfonate.

Abstract: In gas/liquid contact processes for the absorption of sulfur gas streams using alkaline, oxygen regenerated washing solutions, for example as in the Stretford process, the washing solution is treated with a soluble aldehyde to control the rate of formation of thiosulfate salts in the solution. The thiosulfate is thus oxidized to sulfate which is subsequently recovered without any substantial loss of washing solution.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, soluble ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers are produced using a Pd(CN).sub.2 catalyst in the presence of an alkanoic acid substituted by a halide group on an alpha carbon. The polymers are useful for forming films and fibers and can be incorporated in the thermoplastic, coating or adhesive compositions, e.g., in hot melts, to improve the adhesion and consistency of films prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrogen sulfide-containing hydrogenated Claus process tail gas to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in which said gas is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution containing a water-soluble metal vanadate, a water-soluble anthraquinone disulfonate, and a water-soluble, inorganic fluoride, borate, or phosphate complexing agent to yield an effluent gas of reduced sulfur content. The solution is thereafter regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas, elemental sulfur is recovered from the solution, and the regenerated solution is recycled to the gas-contacting step. The complexing agent contained in the solution reduces the chemical consumption of the anthraquinone disulfonate.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrogen sulfide-containing feed gas, deficient in thiocyanate ion precursors, to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur in which said gas is contacted with an aqueous alkaline washing solution containing a water-soluble metal vanadate, and a water-soluble anthraquinone disulfonate to yield an effluent gas of reduced sulfur content. Thiocyanate ion precursors are added to the solution to reduce the chemical consumption of the anthraquinone disulfonate. The solution is thereafter regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas; elemental sulfur is recovered from the solution; and the regenerated solution is recycled to the gas-contacting step.

Abstract: Spent oil shale from retorting operations, containing water-soluble alkaline oxides such as calcium oxide is subjected to a recarbonation process in order to reduce its alkalinity and thereby prevent ecological damage to plant and aquatic animal life which could result from alkaline leachings derived rom rain or snowfall on open dumps of such spent shale. For economic reasons, a rapid recarbonation is necessary, and such is achieved herein by wetting the spent shale with water containing dissolved carbonate and/or bicarbonate salts, and contacting the so wetted spent shale with an atmosphere comprising a substantial partial pressure of carbon dioxide for a period of time ranging between about 10 minutes and two hours.

Abstract: The consumption of anthraquinone disulfonate by oxidation, employed in the Stretford process which treats hydrogen sulfide-containing gases to yield a sulfur-free effluent gas and elemental sulfur, is reduced by the addition of a chemical precursor to the solution which increases the thiosulfate ion concentration of the solution.