The K2CO3/MoS2 catalyst for higher alcohols synthesis with synthesis gas as feedstock was prepared. The catalyst was characterized by TPR, in-situ XPS, XRD and SEM. Effects of pretreatment with H-2, CO or synthesis gas on activity and selectivity of the catalyst were investigated. Results showed that there was a remarkable induction period about 180 h at the initial reaction stage for the un-treated catalyst. The catalytic performances for alcohols synthesis changed notably during the induction period. The induction period was confirmed to be resulted primarily from the sulfur losing and K element dispersion on the surface of ADM catalysts. Pretreatment of the catalyst could remarkably shorten the time of induction period as well as promote the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the higher alcohols (C-2 + OH) content in the liquid products were enhanced after the catalyst pretreated by CO or synthesis gas which could be ascribed to the increasing of Mo4+ content on the surface of the catalyst. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V.