Effect of P/Rh ratio and reduction temperature on catalytic activity and product selectivity of rhodium phosphide (Rh2P) for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of phenol was studied to develop production of feedstocks from sustainable resources. The Rh-0.8P (P/Rh = 0.5) catalyst after reduction at 650-700 degrees C showed the highest HDO conversion and benzene selectivity. High activity and selectivity would be due to formation of Rh2P structure and slightly positive charged Rh site.