Abstract: A composition comprises at least one inorganic oxide and an oxygen-containing metal compound selected from the group consisting of a metal hydroxide, a metal oxide, and combinations of any two or more thereof. The composition can be optionally supported on a support such as an alumina. A process for producing mercaptans comprises contacting an alcohol with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of the composition under a condition sufficient to produce a mercaptan.

Abstract: A composition comprises at least one inorganic oxide and an oxygen-containing metal compound selected from the group consisting of a metal hydroxide, a metal oxide, and combinations of any two or more thereof. The composition can be optionally supported on a support such as an alumina. A process for producing mercaptans comprises contacting an alcohol with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of the composition under a condition sufficient to produce a mercaptan.

Abstract: A process which can be used for producing an organic disulfide is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (1) contacting a base and a mercaptan under an effective condition for forming a brine phase comprising the base and a basic salt of a mercaptan; (2) contacting the brine phase with a mercaptan and hydrogen peroxide under a condition sufficient to effect the formation of an aqueous phase and an organic phase; (3) separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase; (4) recovering the organic phase; and optionally, (5) removing a portion of water from the aqueous phase and thereafter repeating the steps of (2) to (5).

Abstract: A process which can be used for producing thiolcarbamates is provided wherein the process comprises contacting a reaction mixture with a hydrocarbyl chloride such as, for example, benzyl chloride under a condition which is sufficient to produce a product mixture wherein the reaction mixture comprises carbonyl sulfide, an amine such as, for example, a secondary amine, a solvent; the solvent comprises a tertiary amine; and the reaction mixture, hydrocarbyl halide, and solvent are each present in an amount sufficient to effect the production of a thiolcarbamate. Optionally, the reaction mixture can also comprise a metal hydroxide. Further optionally, the product mixture can be contacted with a metal hydroxide if the reaction mixture does not comprise a metal hydroxide.