In the presence of strong bases, the C-S insertion complexes (triphos)Rh[eta(3)-S(C6H4)CH=CH2] and (triphos)Rh(eta(3)-SCH=CH CH=CH2) as well as the pi-alkyne complex [(triphos)Rh(eta(2)-MeO2CC=CCO2 Me)]PF6 are catalyst precursors for the hydrogenation of thiophene (T), benzo[b]thiophene (BT) and dibenzo[b,d]thiophene (DBT) in tetrahydrofuran solution [triphos = MeC(CH2PPh2)(3)]. Both hydrogenolysis (thiols) and desulfurization (hydrocarbons) products are obtained. Among the substrates investigated, BT is the most reactive, whereas T is the easiest to desulfurize. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.