One weight percent Co or Ru dispersed over Mo2C have been investigated as catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch reaction and compared to bulk Mo2C. It was found that Mo2C gives light hydrocarbons, alcohols and CO2. Noteworthy activity increases following the sequence: Mo2C < Ru/Mo2C < Co/Mo2C. Compared with Mo2C selectivity, the addition of Ru decreases the alcohol production whereas Co increases formation of heavy hydrocarbons. The carbon number distributions of hydrocarbons are consistent with a Schulz-Flory equation excepted for the cobalt based catalyst. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.