Catalysts with various MoO3 and Al2O3 contents were prepared by a reaction of acidic SiO2-Al2O3 supports with aqueous slurry of MoO3. The saturated adsorption amount of MoO3 corresponded with the amount of Al2O3 in the supports. The deposited and sulfided Mo species were accessible for promotion of the activity and selectivity in benzothiophene hydrodesulfurization reaction by Co. The acidity of the SiO2-Al2O3 supports modified by dealumination by leaching with nitric acid in terms of cyclohexene isomerization and cumene cracking were preserved after deposition of the CoMo sulfide phase. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.