Abstract <p>Removal of sulfur compounds from middle distillates by hydrotreating is challenging, while their oxidative removal is promising. In this study, the oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4-MDBT, and 4,6-DMDBT in a model fuel to form the corresponding sulfones has been carried out using cumene hydroperoxide as an oxidant over a MoO₃/γ-AlO₃ catalyst. Then the adsorptive removal of DBT-sulfone from a model fuel over different adsorbents has been performed. Finally, an integration of oxidation and adsorption processes for the removal of refractory sulfur compounds from a hydrotreated middle distillate has been successfully demonstrated. The DBTs have been effortlessly converted to the corresponding sulfones. However, the activity of the catalyst during this process decreases significantly due to the sulfone adsorption on the surface of a catalyst. Various tested adsorbents have shown two different adsorption isotherms for removing DBT-sulfone depending on their different textural structures and adsorption mechanisms. The best adsorption capacity in an equilibrium sulfur concentration range of less than 10 ppmw has been provided by a zeolite adsorbent, whereas alumina adsorbents show a higher adsorption capacity in an equilibrium concentration exceeding 15 ppmw due to the multimolecular adsorption within the pores with a diameter of ~40 Å. Integration of oxidation and adsorption processes is promising for removing refractory sulfur compounds from hydrotreated middle distillate.</p>