Abstract: A process is disclosed for desulfurization of gas streams by which reduced sulfur compound, such as H.sub.2 S, is reacted with solid sulfur removal metal oxide compound which is an oxide of chromium, combination of zinc and chromium, combination of zinc and aluminum and mixtures thereof at about 400.degree. to about 1600.degree. F. producing sulfided sulfur removal compound followed by regeneration of the sulfided compound by contact with oxygen containing gas at temperatures about 1400.degree. to about 2400.degree. F. to regenerate the sulfur removal metal oxide compound with at least 10 weight percent of the sulfur removed being in the form of elemental sulfur. The process does not consume valuable fuels, such as coke or fuel gases, and provides an environmentally acceptable off-gas with reduced amounts of SO.sub.x.