Graphite encapsulated molybdenum carbides (Mo2C@C) were synthesized via the hydrothermal carbonization of a solution of glucose and ammonium molybdate followed by temperature programmed reduction. Characterization and structural analyses revealed that the synthesized Mo2C@C nanopartides had a molybdenum core carbon shell structure with a particle size ranging from 50 nm to 100 nm and a core size range of 5-45 nm. The catalytic performance of the graphite encapsulated molybdenum carbides was evaluated on conversion of guaiacol to phenolic compounds in methanol. At 340 degrees C under 2.8 MPa hydrogen pressure, a 76.3% guaiacol conversion was obtained with selectivities of 68.6% for phenol and 93.5% for phenolic compounds. Thus, Mo2C@C showed high selectivity for phenolic compounds in methanol. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.