Catalytic oxidation kinetics of the representative dibenzothiophenes in the presence of oil-soluble cumene hydroperoxide on a MoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst was firstly studied in detail.

This oxidation system is promising for developing a cost-effective process to produce ultra-clean diesel.

The presence of alkyl groups around the sulfur atom in dibenzothiophenes have significant effect on their oxidative reactivity, and more than 95% conversion of all dibenzothiophenes can be achieved at 75 °C.