As a result of this experiment, a
theory was put forth that DBDS
was cleaved to the corresponding
mercaptans (thiols) and other singlering
products. Further, four possible
compounds could be formed of which
benzyl mercaptan was the most likely.
The chemical reaction is presented in Benzyl mercaptan is very volatile
and would not ordinarily be present
in a newly refined transformer oil, as
it would be easily removed. However,
once produced, there is no escape in a
well-sealed transformer. It is very oil
soluble and is very reactive to copper
and silver surfaces.