Abstract:
Processes for the absorption and subsequent removal as sulphur of hydrogen sulphide from gases, gas mixtures and liquid hydrocarbons in which the material containing hydrogen sulphide is washed with an aqueous alkaline solution containing one or more compounds having the general formula: ##STR1## where A is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched chain alkylene radical,B is a --SO.sub.3 M, --CO.sub.2 M, --PO.sub.3 HM or --PO.sub.3 M.sub.2 grouping, whereM is hydrogen, or a cation giving a water-soluble derivative,R is hydrogen, a cation giving a water-soluble derivative, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched alkyl,R.sub.1 is hydrogen, methyl or --COOH and m is 0 or 1 the hydrogen sulphide being oxidized and sulphur liberated, and the reduced anthraquinone sulphonamide being oxidized by contact with free oxygen or a gas containing it, and optionally there being present in addition a metal having at least two valency states, and if necessary a chelating or sequestering agent for retaining such metal compounds in solution.