Determining the Right Reaction: 2 H_2S + O2

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SUMMARY

The correct reaction for the combustion of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with oxygen (O2) is 2 H2S + O2 = 2 S + 2 H2O. The discussion highlights concerns regarding the dew point of sulfur (S) at 440 °C and the operational temperature of catalytic reactors at 250 °C (520 K), which may lead to sulfur condensing and damaging catalysts. The need for clarity on the dew point of S2 is also emphasized, as it is not readily available in existing literature. The consensus leans towards the production of elemental sulfur (S) rather than disulfur (S2).

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  • Understanding of chemical reactions and stoichiometry
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  • Familiarity with catalytic processes and their operational conditions
  • Basic chemistry terminology, including molecular formulas and reaction equations
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katchum
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I have a rather uneasy question:

Is the reaction the following?

2 H_2S + O2 = S_2 + 2 H_2O

or

2 H_2S + O2 = 2S + 2 H_2O


The dewpoint of S = 440 °C, but on my sketch I see the catalytic reactors are processed at 520 K = 250 °C which would mean that sulphur would become liquid again at that temperature, damaging the catalysts.

So I think the first reaction is the right one.

But: everywhere on the internet they speak of S and not S_2. Does someone know for sure which is the right reaction?

And what's the dew point of S_2? I can't find it anywhere on the internet.
 
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I don't see how the OP can say that the dew point of S is 440 C, without knowing the mole fraction and pressure of the gas phase.