HYDROGENATION OF 3-THIOLENE-1,1-DIOXIDE IN ALCOHOL-ALKALI SOLUTIONS OVER PALLADIUM CATALYSTS

Hydrogenation of 3-thiolene-1,1-dioxide to thiolane-1,1-dioxide in alc ohol-alkali solutions over metallic palladium supported on gamma-Al2O3 is studied. In the presence of alkali, the rate of hydrogenation is l ower than that observed in a neutral medium. This is probably due to a n increase in the strength of a hydrogen-palladium bond and due to the formation of 3-alkoxythiolane-1,1-dioxide. The hydrogenation of 3-alk oxythiolane-1,1-dioxide to thiolane-1,1-dioxide occurs at higher tempe ratures and longer contact times and results in the evolution of hydro gen sulfide and palladium sulfide. The activity of palladium sulfide i s low.