Determination of benzoyl bisulphide by desulphurisation and solvolysis

Benzoyl disulphide is rapidly and quantitatively desulphurised to the monosulphide by reaction with triphenylphosphine in aqueous methanol at 25 degrees . The monosulphide reacts with methanol to form thiobenzoic acid and methyl benzoate. Benzoyl disulphide also reacts with methanol in solutions containing ammonium acetate or sodium acetate yielding thiobenzoic acid, methyl benzoate and elemental sulphur. Benzoyl disulphide and sulphur were detected by their polarographic reduction waves. Thiobenzoic acid was detected by its polarographic oxidation wave and yields were determined by amperometric silver nitrate titrations.