Naphtha is selectively hydrodesulfurized in the presence of a sulfided, treated
catalyst comprising at least a Group VIB metal catalytic component, to produce
sulfur-reduced naphtha with reduced olefin loss due to saturation. The catalyst
is treated with hydrogen, a selectively deactivating agent which deactivates its
hydrogenation activity, and a protective agent which preserves its hydrodesulfurization
activity during the treatment.
