The continuous gas phase hydrogenation of benzonitrile has been studied over Pd/C and Pd/Al2O3 (mean Pd size = 2.5-3.0 nm from STEM). Toluene was the predominant product over Pd/C whereas benzylamine was preferred over Pd/Al2O3. This is linked to differences in Pd electronic character (from XPS) that impact on nitrile adsorption. Greater surface acidity and hydrogen availability (based on chemisorption/TPD) for Pd/C resulted in higher conversion rates. Operation at lower contact time for multiple Pd/Al2O3 beds in series promoted exclusive formation of benzylamine at an appreciably higher rate than reported in the literature. [GRAPHICS] .