Methods for gas phase oxidative desulphurization of hydrocarbons using CuZnAl catalysts promoted with group VIB metal oxides

A catalyst composition useful in oxidative desulfurization of a sulfur containing hydrocarbon, comprising:

• copper oxide in an amount ranging from 10 weight percent to 50 wt. %, zinc oxide in an amount ranging from 5 wt. % to less than 20 wt %, aluminum oxide in an amount ranging from 20 wt. % to 70 wt. %, and at least one Group VIB metal oxide promoter, in an amount up to 20 wt. % of said catalytic composition.