Enhanced selective nitroarene hydrogenation over Au supported on β-Mo2C and β-Mo2C/Al2O3

► First reported synthesis and characterisation of Au on β-Mo2C and β-Mo2C/Al2O3. ► First reported application of Au/Mo2C and Au/Mo2C/Al2O3 in nitroarene hydrogenation. ► Combined action of Au with Mo2C delivers higher hydrogenation TOF than Au/Al2O3. ► Exclusive m-dinitrobenzene → m-nitroaniline over Au/Mo2C; Au/Al2O3 is non-selective.