Iron-based sorbent was preferable for desulfurization from coal-derived gas due to economic consideration and favorable dynamic property. The intrinsic behavior of Fe-based sorbent should be primarily understood in the sulfidation process for improving its performance. A series of tests were carried out with Fe2O3, Fe and other compounds containing-Fe (FO) made from the same precursor FeC2O4 center dot 2H(2)O in H2S-N-2 mixture in this study. The formation of H-2 was observed with Fe and FO as sorbents. While SO2 was detected with FO and Fe2O3 as sorbents, its concentration in outlet was gradually decreased. The crystal phase and surface chemical state of fresh and sulfided Fe2O3 with different reaction times were characterized by XRD and XPS measurements. The result suggested that the intrinsic H2S removal by Fe2O3 would produce multi-phase of sulfides. The possible mechanism of sulfidation reaction was discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.