Titrimetric determination of mercaptans with chloramine-T

Propyl mercaptan, allyl mercaptan, 2-mercaptoethanol, cysteamine hydrochloride, thio-p-cresol, 2-aminobenzenethiol, 2-mercaptopropionic acid and thioglycollic acid react with chloramine-T in 2:1 molar ratio in the presence of iodide, forming the corresponding disulphides. Mercaptans having a free beta-carbonyl group do not react quantitatively. The oxidation of the mercaptans is a function of time, and the corresponding sulphonic acids are formed on allowing them to stand with excess of chloramine-T. The oxidation to sulphonic acid is, however, instantaneous in the presence of iodine cyanide which acts as a catalyst and preoxidizer. This method is simple, accurate and rapid, and as little as 0.5 mg of the mercaptan can be determined with +/- 0.25% error.