The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 2-methoxyphenol using Mo2N supported on three commercial activated carbons (Pica, Norit and Cudu) with different textural and chemical properties was studied. The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor at 50 bar of H-2 and 300 degrees C. The catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation and nitrided with ammonia at 700 degrees C. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N-2 adsorption-desorption, thermal programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Mo2N/Norit catalyst displayed higher HDO activity compared to the Mo2N/Cudu and Mo2N/Pica catalysts. HDO conversion increased when the Mo2N/Norit catalysts were activated with hydrogen for 6 h at 400 degrees C due to increased surface nitridation. The Mo2N/Norit catalyst displayed a higher phenol/catechol ratio relative to the Mo2N/Pica and Mo2N/Cudu catalysts, which displayed similar (phenol/catechol) ratios. The phenol/catechol ratio was unaffected by the H-2 activation time. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.