Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the removal of contaminating sulfur compounds, more in particular thiophenic sulfur compounds, from hydrocarbon feedstocks, said process comprising contacting the feedstock in the presence of hydrogen with a sulfided nickel adsorbent, of which adsorbent the rate constant for tetralin hydrogenation activity at 150° C. is less than 0.01 l/s.g cat and wherein in said adsorbent part of the nickel is present in the metallic form.

Abstract: A nickel catalyst comprising 0.1 to 12.5 wt. % of at least one structural promoter, selected from the group of oxides of metals and metalloids and combinations thereof, and 87.5 to 99.9 wt. % nickel, calculated on the weight of nickel and the structural promoter together, the catalyst having an nickel surface area, as defined herein, of at least 10 m2/g catalyst and an average pore diameter, as defined herein, of 10 to 60 nm. It has been found that already very small amounts of promoter improves the structure of the catalyst. High amounts still provide a stable, sinter resistant material, but result in a decrease in the pore size to lower levels. Furthermore, properties and sulfur uptake capacity.