MoOx-VOx based catalysts has been used in the oxidative desulfurization process. Tetrahedral molybdenum species are predominant in MoOx-VOx catalysts. Vanadium is distributed mainly as isolated vanadium species in MoOx-VOx catalysts. Catalytic activity of MoOx-VOx is greater than the one for monometallic catalysts. A promotional effect can be suggested between molybdenum and vanadium in MoOx-VOx.