The selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, using a commercial, precipitated silica promoted ferric oxide based catalyst, was investigated in laboratory and pilot-plant reactors. Low levels of hydrogen sulfide (1-3 vol%) can be readily removed, but a continuous slow decrease in catalyst activity was apparent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the loss of activity was due to the formation of ferrous sulfate, which is known to be less active than the ferric oxide. In addition, studies using a model feed showed that the propene and HCN impurities in the plant feed stocks also act as potent catalyst poisons.