Regenerable sorbents for removal of sulfur from hydrocarbons and processes for their preparation and use

A sorbent for use in removing sulfur contaminants from hydrocarbon feedstocks is provided, wherein the sorbent contains zinc aluminate in an amount of at least 40 wt % (calculated as ZnAl.sub.2O.sub.4); free alumina in an amount of from about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % (calculated as Al.sub.2O.sub.3); and iron oxide in an amount of from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt % (calculated as Fe.sub.2O.sub.3); wherein each of the free alumina and iron oxide are present in non-crystalline form as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, and a method for producing the sorbent and method for using the sorbent to reduce sulfur contaminants in hydrocarbon feedstocks.