Aerobic oxidative desulfurization is a safe and environmentally friendly desulfurization method, but oxygen usually needs to be activated under harsh conditions, the synthesis of efficient catalyst is an effective way to improve desulfurization activity. In this work, flower?like cobalt molybdate with large specific surface area was synthesized by one?step hydrothermal method using cobalt chloride and ammonium molybdate as raw materials. In addition, urea is used as precipitation agent and structure control agent. The morphology and structure of the CoMoO₄ were characterized by FT?IR, XRD, SEM, XPS and N₂ adsorption desorption techniques. Dibenzothiophene in simulated oil was removed using CoMoO₄ as catalyst and molecular oxygen as oxidant. The effects of reaction temperature, the flow of oxygen, the amount of CoMoO₄ and the type of sulfur compounds on the desulfurization rate were investigated. In addition, the recycling performance of flower?like CoMoO₄ was studied. The experiment shows that the desulfurization rate can reach 98.2% under the optimal reaction conditions. The catalyst can be reused for 5 times without significant reduction in oxidative desulfurization activity. The formation of superoxide radical in the oxidation desulfurization process resulting in high desulfurization activity.