Experimental results on the destruction of H2S and xylene mixtures in H-2/O-2-N-2 flames, at an equivalence ratio of three (Claus condition) are presented. The combustion generated products, including excited radical species were analyzed using flame emission spectroscopy and online gas chromatography (GC). The results showed the oxidation of H2S and H-2 that resulted in the formation of high mole fraction of SO2. The formed SO2 further decomposed due to the formation of S-2 and CS2 in the reactor. This reveals the possible interaction between sulfurous and hydrocarbon radicals. The examination of emission spectra of excited species between 280 nm and 490 nm showed C-2* and C-3* swan bands, CHO* and CH* bands and H* (Balmer band series). The results also showed bands of SO, SH, S-2*, CS2* and SO2*. The continuum of SO2 afterglow was also observed in the flame. These results provide insight on the reaction chemistry associated with the destruction of xylene and H2S. They are also of significant interest to operators and designers of sulfur plants, as well as related policy-makers. The results show the formation of value added chemicals, such as methane that can also be recovered from acid gases. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.