Removal of H.sub.2 S from sour gas streams with subsequent sulfur separation

摘要

A cyclic process for the removal of H.sub.2 S from a sour gaseous stream is disclosed, the process being characterized by the reaction of the H.sub.2 S to sulfur employing aqueous solutions of oxidizing polyvalent metal chelates of nitrilotriacetic acid, and by the recovery of the sulfur from the solutions with specific extractants. The extractants are selected from compounds (and mixtures thereof) having the formula C.sub.n H.sub.2(n+l), wherein n is a whole number from 4 through 8, and the recovery may be made prior or subsequent to regeneration of the polyvalent metal chelate solution.