The effect of the amount of Nb2O5 on the dispersion and reductive properties of Mo/Nb2O5-SiO2 catalysts has been studied. Addition of niobium leads to an increase of dispersion and the reducibility of molybdenum. A synergetic effect of niobium on the catalytic activity in hydrodesulfurization of thiophene was observed at 5.4 wt.% of Nb2O5.