ZIF-8, a typical and popular type of MOFs, was synthesized and carbonized directly to produce highly porous carbon without washing or activation. The resulting carbon was found to be a promising candidate for adsorption desulfurization of DBT with a maximum adsorption capacity of 26.7 mgS/g in the concentration range below 174 ppmS, and the adsorption capacity decreased approximately 17% with the addition of 10% para-xylene. (C) 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers