A theoretical equation of thiol recovery efficiency for the separation
of thiols from petroleum distillate is derived on the basis of the pr
inciples of reaction equilibrium and distribution equilibrium. An effe
ctive composite extractant MDS-H2O-KOH which has high efficiencies of
extraction and recovery of thiols from petroleum ether as well as gaso
line was selected accordingly. Thiols in FCC gasoline were separated b
y the selected extractant and identified with GC/FPD.