Mercaptan Odor Control CAIROX POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE

TECHNICAL BRIEF

BACKGROUND In municipal and industrial waste treatment, hydrogen sulfide is not the only offensive gas generated from
anaerobic decomposition. Mercaptans (RSH) are the organic equivalent to hydrogen sulfide and more
odorous at 1/1000th the concentration. Mercaptans are naturally occurring from the degradation of sulfur
containing organics (proteins, etc.). A table of commonly found mercaptans is presented on the reverse
side.

Oxidation is the only method that completely eliminates mercaptan odors. Precipitation technology may
adsorb some mercaptans, but may readily release the adsorbed molecules. Removal of sulfide by
precipitation often allows the odor from mercaptans to be more apparent and equally offensive. A
comparison of mercaptan removal technologies is given below. The first step in oxidation is the formation
of disulfide (RSSR) and this is ultimately oxidized to the non-odorous Sulfonic Acid (RSO3H).

Chemical Dosage (mg/L)

40
Iron Salts 1456
Peroxide 420
35
Mercaptan Concentration, mg/L

CAIROX 177

30

25

20

15

10

0
None Iron Salts(1) Peroxide(2) CAIROX(3)
Chemical
Treatment
(1) Iron Salts react by adsorbing on a precipitate, (reversible release).
(2) Peroxide reacts by oxidizing to disulfide, (incomplete removal).
(3) CAIROX reacts by oxidizing to disulfide and by further oxidation to sulfonic acid, (complete removal).

Copyright 2000
rev. 03/14
Form # CX 4901

The information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, data, safety standards and government regulations
are subject to change; and the conditions of handling, use or misuse of the product are beyond our control. Carus Corporation makes
no warranty, either expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Carus also
disclaims all liability for reliance on the completeness or confirming accuracy of any information included herein. Users should satisfy
themselves that they are aware of all current data relevant to their particular use(s).
Carus and Design is a registered service mark of Carus Corporation. CAIROX is a registered trademark of Carus Corporation. Responsible
Care is a registered service mark of the American Chemistry Council.
 Mercaptan Odor Control CAIROX POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE
TECHNICAL BRIEF

Oxidation of mercaptans proceeds in a stepwise fashion. Disulfide first is formed before leading to sulfonic
acid as the final product.

Mercaptan (RSH) Disulfide (RSSR) Sulfonic Acid (RSO3H)

1) Iron Salts Adsorption Incomplete

2) Hydrogen Peroxide Incomplete

3) CAIROX Complete

Removal Efficiency
CAIROX Potassium Permanganate and hydrogen peroxide can both form the disulfide, however, peroxide
requires a catalyst and is slow reacting. The disulfide is a water soluble molecule which can readily revert
to mercaptan. Disulfides often retain the odor of the mercaptan and are bio-inhibitory.

The uniqueness of CAIROX usage is that it will immediately and completely oxidize the mercaptans and
disulfide as it is formed. CAIROX provides the most effective and immediate elimination of this serious
odor problem.
Reac t ivit y
Subst anc e C harac t erist ic Odor CAIROX Hydrogen Iron Salt s
Odor Threshold P eroxide
ppm KMnO 4 H 2O 2 Fe +2 and Fe
+3

Allyl Mercaptan Strong garlic -coffee 0.00005 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2

Amyl Mercaptan Unpleasant -putrid 0.0003 Immediate CAT 1 N /A 2
Benzyl Mercaptan Unpleasant -strong 0.00019 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Crotyl Mercaptan Skunk -like 0.000029 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Diemethyl Sulfide Decayed Vegetables 0.0001 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Ethyl Mercaptan Decayed cabbage 0.00019 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Met hyl Mercaptan Decayed cabbage 0.0011 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Propyl Mercaptan Unpleasant 0.000075 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Sulfur Dioxide Pungent, irritating 0.009 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Tert -butyl Mercaptan Skunk, unpleasant 0.00008 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Thiocresol Skunk, rancid 0.000062 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2
Thiophenol Putrid, garlic -like 0.000062 Immediate CAT 1 N/A 2

1. Requires catalysis for reaction, slow reaction with catalysis.

2. N/A - No affect (Adsorption is reversible).

Adapted from : Odor Control for Wastewater Facilities. Manual of Practice No. 22, Water Pollution
Control Federation, Washington, DC, 1979.

Copyright 2000
rev. 03/14
Form # CX 4901

The information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, data, safety standards and government regulations
are subject to change; and the conditions of handling, use or misuse of the product are beyond our control. Carus Corporation makes
no warranty, either expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Carus also
disclaims all liability for reliance on the completeness or confirming accuracy of any information included herein. Users should satisfy
themselves that they are aware of all current data relevant to their particular use(s).
Carus and Design is a registered service mark of Carus Corporation. CAIROX is a registered trademark of Carus Corporation. Responsible
Care is a registered service mark of the American Chemistry Council.