Abstract: In a conventional hydrodesulfurization process sulfur is removed from liquid hydrocarbons by reacting the sulfur in the liquid hydrocarbons with hydrogen to form H2S. A sour hydrogen gas stream consisting of unreacted hydrogen, H2S, and undesired light hydrocarbons is then separated from the liquid hydrocarbons, and the H2S is removed to sweeten the hydrogen stream for recycling. Some of the undesired light hydrocarbons resulting from the reaction may be separated by the purging method discussed. In the present invention efficient separation of the light hydrocarbons is enabled without substantial loss of recyclable hydrogen. Both the H2S and light hydrocarbons are separated from the sour hydrogen gas stream by passing the stream through an absorber where it is reacted with a nonaqueous liquor. The light hydrocarbons are absorbed in the liquor, from which they are subsequently separated.