Abstract: The invention described herein is a method for selectively removing mercaptans such as methyl mercaptan from dry gas mixtures containing high concentrations of carbon dioxide. In the method, the carbon dioxide-rich gas (sour gas) is passed through an absorption vessel or distillation column in which it is contacted with an absorbent such as liquid carbon dioxide in order to selectively absorb the mercaptans. The treated gas, which is now free of mercaptans, leaves the top of the vessel as a sales gas suitable for use in enhanced oil recovery applications. Preferably, a portion of the carbon dioxide in the sales gas is condensed and the liquid is returned to the absorber or distillation column as the scrubbing agent. At least part of this scrubbing agent leaves the bottom of the absorber or distillation column enriched in methyl mercaptan and other sulfur compounds.