The S2 emission characteristics of several organic sulfur compounds obtained by molecular emission cavity analysis and pyrolysis

Emission profiles of several organic sulfur compounds are investigated by modified molecular emission cavity analysis (MECA). Thiourea, 1,3-diethylthiourea, S-methyl- cysteine and taurine are pyrolyzed in a hydrogen stream and the pyrolytic products are determined by gas chromatography. The S₂ emission mechanism is discussed on the basis of emission profiles and the composition of the pyrolytic products. Although some compounds give multipeaked responses, the splitting disappears when a worn surface cavity is used or oxalic acid is added to the sulfur compound in the cavity. When the emission profile from thiourea is compared with that from 1,3-diethylthiourea, it is clear that the multipeaked response is due to quenching by degradation products of the latter compound. The main product of pyrolysis is hydrogen sulfide. The emission intensity is related to the yield of hydrogen sulfide in pyrolysis. As methylmercaptan was not detected in the pyrolysis products, it is suggested that the quenching by the organic fragments results from their hydrogen consumption rather than their reaction with sulfur species. The S₂ emission from sulfur-containing compounds is rapidly complete in the presence of oxalic acid, and it is suggested that such compounds are subject to reductive breakdown in the cavity.