The effects of the catalyst support, reaction temperature, and concentration of the modifier were examined to optimize supported Pd-catalysts and reaction conditions for the achievement of higher enantiomeric excess in the hydrogenation of (E)-alpha-phenylcinnamic acid. Over 90% of enantioselectivity was achieved using a cinchonidine-modified 40 wt% Pd/TiO2 catalyst at 288 K.