Phosphomolybdate-based ionic liquid [(C8H17)(3)NCH3]3PMo(12)O(40) was prepared and supported on a magnetic mesoporous silica (gamma-Fe2O3@SiO2@mSiO(2)) to obtain a magnetic mesoporous catalyst. The morphology and components of the catalyst were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and VSM. With air as oxidant, the catalyst showed perfect desulfurization performance in oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The removal of DBT from model oil could reach 100% within 5 h at 120 degrees C. After reaction, the catalyst could be separated by a magnet and recycled at least four times without obvious decrease in the catalytic performance. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.