Abstract: This invention provides a process for removing H.sub.2 S from the gaseous stream by contacting the stream with an aqueous solution of a water soluble oxidized polyvalent metal chelate catalyst in the presence of oxygen whereby the metal chelate catalyst oxidizes the hydrogen sulfide to produce elemental sulfur and the oxygen present oxidizes the reduced metal chelate catalyst to its oxidized form. This process is performed in a single reaction vessel and forms a suspension or slurry of the precipitated elemental sulfur which is maintained in suspension by the use of a dispersing agent. The process is continued until the sulfur content reaches a level of 5 percent by weight or 10 percent or more by weight of the solution, then the entire solution is discarded and replaced with a fresh solution and the process repeated. This invention also provides a composition for H.sub.2 S removal comprising a polyvalent metal chelate catalyst, a buffer and a dispersing agent.