Abstract: The invention is a process for removing H.sub.2 S, CO.sub.2 and mercaptans from a gas stream by liquid absorption using an absorbent wherein the mercaptans are absorbed at a high pressure and low temperature in a secondary absorption zone and separated from the absorbent by reduction of pressure after heating. The absorbent after reduction of pressure can be recycled to the absorpiton zone. The H.sub.2 S and CO.sub.2 are absorbed at a higher temperature than the mercaptans and are stripped from the absorbent in a regeneration zone after a reduction in pressure. The absorption zone requires two separate zones where the gas being treated passes from the high temeprature absorption zone to the low temperature zone where the mercaptans are removed.