We have evaluated the performance of perovskite-based sorbents for hot coal gas desulfurization. These sorbents (LaMnO3, LaCoO3, LaFeO3, and La2CuO4) were tested in a fixed-bed reactor and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies and BET surface area measurements. The results indicate a high initial sulfur removal capacity for the perovskites (0.15-0.34 g of H2S/g of sorbent) but poor regenerability. The analysis of spent and regenerated sorbents has revealed complete segregation of the A-site and B-site elements following sulfidation in the case of LaMnO3 and LaCoO3. No such segregation was observed in the case of LaFeO3 while an intermediate behavior was exhibited by La2CuO4. The BET measurements indicate a substantial loss of surface area following the first cycle of sulfidation and regeneration, which is in part responsible for the poor performance of the sorbents in successive cycles.