Sulphur atoms, from decomposition

Thermal decomposition is initiated by a general migration of alkyl groups from oxygen atoms to sulphur atoms [46]. The rate of this reaction is governed by the ease with which nucleophilic substitution can take place at the a-carbon atom of the alkyl group. Steric hindrance by -substituents to this nucleophilic attack also influences thermal stability. 

From spectrophotometric measurements, Jablcynski and Rytel,2 however, maintain that the decomposition is unimoleeular, monatomic sulphur being first produced, which itself retards the reaction. As the opalescence is due to the formation of polyatomic sulphur aggregates, the latter act as an autocatalyst by withdrawing the atomic sulphur from the solution. 

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