Co-MnO catalysts have been prepared by pyrolytic decomposition of the corresponding fumarate or gluconate salts and examined in the reactions of methanol and ethanol reforming. The synthesis parameters were the type of organic salt, the Co:Mn ratio and the temperature of decomposition. The decomposition pathway depends on the type of carboxylate, with the fumarate group being more stable than the gluconate. In-situ XRD measurements of salt decomposition showed that the reducing atmosphere prevailing during thermal treatment, as well as the presence of solid carbon, facilitates reduction of cobalt oxides towards metallic cobalt at temperatures above similar to 500 degrees C. Thus, the reduced form of the catalyst, consisting mainly of metallic cobalt and MnO dispersed in a carbonaceous matrix can be prepared in a single step. It was found that reforming of both methanol and ethanol proceeds under comparable reaction conditions and hydrogen yield is maximized at temperatures of 400-450 degrees C. The activity of catalysts prepared under an inert atmosphere was considerably higher than the one of catalysts prepared through oxidative pre-treatment. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.