Unprecedented selectivity to the direct desulfurization (DDS) pathway in a highly active FeNi bimetallic phosphide catalyst

► FeNi phosphides on SiO2 were prepared by temperature-programmed reduction. ► The catalysts were highly active for deep HDS of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene. ► The catalysts were also unusually selective for direct desulfurization to biphenyl. ► The unusual reactivity may be due to a ligand effect of iron on nickel.