Patent ID: 7906683

Claim:
A process for the removal, by oxidation, of mercaptans contained in hydrocarbons, which comprises: a) putting a hydrocarbon, or a mixture of hydrocarbons, containing one or more mercaptans having the general formula R—SH, wherein R represents a C 1 -C 50 aliphatic or C 6 -C 30 aromatic hydrocarbon, in contact with a system comprising trivalent iron, a heteropolyacid having redox properties, as such or partially salified with an alkaline metal or with ammonium, and optionally water, said hetero-polyacid being selected from those having general formula (I): H n XV y M (12-y) O 40 (I) wherein n is an integer ranging from 3 to 6 and is equal to 3+y; X is an element selected from P, Si, As, B, and Ge; y is an integer ranging from 1 to 3; and M consists of Mo or W; b) oxidizing the mercaptans to the corresponding (di)sulfides by the oxidizing effect of the trivalent iron which is reduced to bivalent iron; c) separating the optional aqueous phase from the organic phase; d) reoxidizing the bivalent iron to trivalent iron with a gaseous stream containing oxygen; and e) recycling the system comprising trivalent iron, hetero-polyacid and optionally water to the oxidation step (a).