Abstract: A series of silica supported MoP (MoP/SiO₂) catalysts with different Mo loadings were prepared by sol-gel method, followed by temperature programmed reduction treatment. The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of the MoP/SiO₂ catalysts was evaluated with thiophene and dibenzothiophene as model compounds. The influences of Mo loading, reaction pressure and temperature on the HDS activity were investigated. The catalysts MoP/SiO₂ exhibit high activity for the HDS of thiophene and dibenzothiophene; the highest activity is observed over MoP/SiO₂ with a Mo loading of 20%. An elevation of the reaction pressure or temperature can enhance the HDS of dibenzothiophene; however, it may also decrease the content of biphenyl in the products.