High surface area MoO3/MgO: preparation by the new slurry impregnation method and activity in sulphided state in hydrodesulphurization of benzothiophene

High surface area MoO₂/MgO was prepared by the reaction of MgO (250–300 m² g⁻¹) with a slurry of ammonium heptamolybdate in methanol or anhydrous ethanol at the alcohol boiling point. The low solubility of ammonium heptamolybdate was sufficient for its gradual transport to the support surface: molybdena species were deposited and ammonia was evolved. Catalytic activities in the hydrodesulphurization of benzothiophene of the MoO₃/MgO samples were comparable to the activity of the reference commercial MoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.