THE flotation process, organic sulfur compounds are selectively adsorbed by copper sulfide. Morgan and Sedbury (2) determined the heats of addition of some sulfur compounds with heavy metal salts, and found some of them to be large. It is well known that copper oxide was for a time used industrially in the removal of sulfur from petroleum fractions.These facts suggested a study of the removal of sulfur compounds from hydrocarbons by copper sulfide and similar materials. This investigation was started and carried through with the idea that only adsorption was involved. The results proved this to be wrong, but indicated instead unexpected reactions which are more important than the anticipated adsorption.

This type of reaction represents a novel characteristic of this well-known catalyst. Nickel also catalyzes the cleavage of dibutyl zinc and diphenylmagnesium with the formation of butane and benzene, respectively.