The catalytic activity and the structure of unsupported Mo and CoMo nitrided catalysts were investigated. It was found that the structure and catalytic activity of the nitrided catalysts are influenced by the conditions of nitridation. Molybdenum oxynitrides are more active in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of thiophene than MoS2. The addition of cobalt to nitrided Mo improves its HDS activity, however, sulfided CoMo catalyst is still more active than the nitrided one. Synergy between Co and Mo for the nitrided unsupported CoMo catalyst exists at lower degree than fur the sulfided form of CoMo.