The possibility of the formation of polysulfides during oxidation of H2S with oxygen on oxide catalysts has been checked, and the sequence of the reaction stages at temperatures below the sulfur dew point determined. The amount of polysulfides formed during H2S oxidation has been found to exceed significantly that obtained in the reaction of sulfur with H2S. Polysulfides are concluded to be intermediates in H2S oxidation to sulfur. The rate of formation of SO2 from sulfur vapor is shown to be negligibly low at 100-200 degreesC. A reaction scheme involving the formation of sulfur from polysulfides and the formation of sulfur dioxide by direct oxidation of H2S is suggested.