Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing mercaptans from a gas stream. In the process, a first mercaptan-comprising gas stream comprising at least a mercaptan of the general formula: R1—SH, wherein R1 is an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an acid component is contacted with an absorption medium to obtain a mercaptan-depleted gas stream. The absorption medium includes a substituted disulphide and a base. The substituted disulphide is of the general formula R2—SS—R3, wherein R2 and R3 are carbon comprising substituents of which the corresponding R2—SH and R3—SH thiols have a vapor pressure below the vapor pressure of any R1—SH thiol, and at least one of R2 and R3 is an electron withdrawing group.