Process for removing low amounts of organic sulfur from hydrocarbon fuels

摘要

A process for desulfurizing hydrocarbons such as gasoline and similar petroleum products to reduce the sulfur content to a range of from about 2 to 15 ppm sulfur without affecting the octane rating is described. The sulfur containing hydrocarbon is contacted at slightly elevated temperatures with an oxidizing/extracting solution of formic acid, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and no more than about 25 wt % water.