38% to 93% selectivity enhancement toward sulfur-free products was observed upon iridium addition to a palladium-only catalyst in the hydrodesulfurization of a refractory sulfur compound 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) at the same 40% conversion from a 300 ppm, S-containing feed at 5 MPa and 300 degrees C. Pd promoted hydrogenation to sulfurous intermediates, while Ir catalyzed C-S hydrogenolysis and also improved Pd resistance to sintering. The selectivity in the direct desulfurization path for the Ir-containing catalysts increased up to 26% versus 5% for the Pd-only catalyst. The bimetallic catalyst allowed for a decrease in S from 300 ppm to 11 ppm. It can be used at reduced pressure (3 MPa) with only a 15% decrease in hydrodesulfurization conversion as compared to the operation at 5 MPa. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.