A process is provided for the preparation of dialkyl sulfides by reacting alkenes and hydrogen sulfide at elevated temperature in the presence of a Type X, Y or L zeolite containing from about 5 to 15 percent by weight of alkali metal, expresed as Me.sub.2 O (where Me is an alkali metal).

Disclosed is a method of making a mercaptan by reacting an aliphatic alcohol with hydrogen sulfide in a continuous gaseous phase reaction. The reaction is performed in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a catalytically active carrier that contains base and/or acid active sites, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal bicarbonate, carbonate, oxide, or hydroxide, and a transition metal acid or alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt thereof. Selectivities of close to 100% are obtained.

A continuous process is disclosed for preparing dialkyl disulfides by reacting an alkyl alcohol and hydrogen sulfide in one reaction zone, and then passing the reactor effluent into a second reaction zone where it is reacted with elemental sulfur in the presence of a solid, particulate catalyst.

A process which can be used to produce an organic disulfide is provided. The process comprises contacting a mercaptan in the presence of an oxygen-containing fluid, a catalyst, optionally a cocatalyst, and further optionally a solvent or a surfactant or combination of a solvent and surfactant under a condition sufficient to oxidize the mercaptan to an organic disulfide.

A highly efficient method of producing alkyl mercaptan and/or dialkyl monosulfides which involves employing carbon dioxide as an internal coolant is described. Only negligible amounts of carbonyl sulfide were formed. In addition, relatively easy separation of carbon dioxide from the reaction mixture facilitates an efficient coolant recycle process, giving a simple and effective mode of temperature control.