The performances of active carbon supported molybdenum sulfide catalysts prepared by different procedures or promoted by different elements in the synthesis of mixed alcohols from CO2 containing syngas were examined. The results showed that high alcohol activity and selectivity could be obtained by employing a rapid drying procedure and employing a H2S-H-2 stream for (NH4)(2)MoS4 decomposition. Addition of Co, Cr and Cl to K-Mo/C catalyst led to an increase in the alcohol activity or selectivity. The presence of CO2 in the feed caused a greater amount of water to be produced but reduced the formation of CO2. The product distribution was also strongly influenced by the presence of either CO2 or H2S in the feed. Addition of CO2 reduces the formation of higher alcohols while H2S increases higher alcohol formation.