Preparation of symmetrical and asymmetrical disulphides by reactive distillation of mixtures of disulphides

1. A process for preparing symmetrical or asymmetrical dialkyl disulphides, the process comprising at least the following stages:

a) introducing, into a reactor, at least one mixture of at least two organic disulphides of general formula (1): R—S n —R′, in which:

R and R′, which are identical or different, represent, each independently of one another, a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and optionally one or more unsaturations in the form of double and/or triple bond(s); and

n represents 2,

b) carrying out a basic catalytic reaction or a basic and photochemical catalytic reaction, wherein a basic catalyst is used which is a supported catalyst and/or a heterogeneous catalyst, during which the organic disulphides of formula (1) are converted, by reproportionation and by disproportionation, into a mixture of symmetrical and/or asymmetrical dialkyl disulphides,

c) extracting the symmetrical and/or asymmetrical dialkyl disulphide(s) desired.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein a catalyst is used in stage b) which is a photocatalyst for radiation of between approximately 260 nm and approximately 350 nm.

3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein stage b) is carried out at a temperature of between approximately −10° C. and +300° C.

4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the extraction stage c) comprises withdrawal or distillation or a combination of these two techniques.

5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the process is carried out in a column of distillation column type, comprising a basic catalyst and optionally provided with equipment which makes possible photocatalysis.

6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the process is carried out batchwise or continuously.

7. The process according to claim 1 , wherein dimethyl disulphide is prepared.

8. The process according to claim 1 , wherein diethyl disulphide is prepared.

9. The process according to claim 1 , wherein stage c) is carried out continuously.

10. The process according to claim 1 , wherein R and R′ represent, each independently of one another, a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical comprising from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

11. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the basic catalyst is a supported catalyst comprising a solid support and the solid support is an anion-exchange polymer resin.

12. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the basic catalyst is a catalyst on a solid support impregnated with at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal oxide or with a metal oxide, the solid support being selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, zeolites, charcoals, active charcoals, clays, zirconias, titanium dioxide and ion-exchange polymer resins which are weakly or strongly basic.