Abstract: The mechanism of removing sulfur containing compounds from transportation fuels by solvent extraction is summarized, and research progresses of extraction desulfurization technologies worldwide are reviewed. Compared with other desulfurization technologies, extraction method has the advantages of low investment, simple operation and less octane number loss of gasoline. However, there is still room to be improved in conventional acid/alkali washing and organic solvent extraction. Extraction with ionic liquids exhibits promising future, so dose membrane separation technologies for sulfur removal. The coupling of extraction method with oxidation, biodegradation and others to remove sulfur compounds also has bright developing prospect.