The reaction between zinc oxide and hydrogen sulfide was studied in the presence of coal-derived gases. The reaction was inhibited by the presence of H2O. The effect of CO2 on the reaction was smaller than that of H2O. H-2 accelerated the reaction at 500 degrees C and inhibited it at 400 degrees C in the presence of H2O. CO also inhibited the reaction in the presence of H2O. COS was formed from H2S and CO in the absence of H-2. Elemental sulfur was formed from COS only under the H2S-N-2 system. In explanation of the experimental results, a reaction scheme has been presented.