Modification of NaX zeolite with Cd2+ and Hg2+ cations by Nai ion-exchange is found to increase the reactivity for the desulfurization of ethanethiol through H2S splitting. The conversion of mercaptan increases with the increasing degree of ion-exchange with these cations. Cd2+ modification is Little more active compared to the Hg2+ samples. Moreover, NaHgX samples undergo further deactivation than those containing Cd2+ ions.