Role of single-site catalysts in the hydrogenation of thiophenes: from models systems to effective HDS catalysts

The hydrogenation of thiophenes, leading to cyclic thioethers, thiols or hydrocarbons and H2S, can be achieved by single-site metal catalysts in both homogeneous and heterogeneous phase. An overview of the processes that have provided useful mechanistic information on hydrodesulfurization catalysis, is presented and commented.