ABSTRACT
A theoretical equation of thiol recovery efficiency for the separation of thiols from petroleum distillate is derived on the basis of the principles of reaction equilibrium and distribution equilibrium. An effective composite extractant MDS-H2O-KOH which has high efficiencies of extraction and recovery of thiols from petroleum ether as well as gasoline was selected accordingly. Thiols in FCC gasoline were separated by the selected extractant and identified with GC/FPD.