It has been found that ethylene and propylene could be effectively hydrogenated by formic acid vapour over a Pd/carbon catalyst at low temperatures (< 440 K). Surface hydrogen formation from formic acid is the rate-determining step for this hydrogenation reaction. Interaction of this hydrogen with the olefins is then fast. The conversion of formic acid in the presence of either of the olefins at any temperature is higher than in their absence. This has been explained by a much lower surface hydrogen concentration in the presence of the olefins. Direct experiments have confirmed that hydrogen inhibits the formic acid decomposition. Water vapour addition has a small positive effect on the decomposition of formic acid as well as on the hydrogenation of the olefins with formic acid. Catalysts consisting of gold supported on carbon or titania are both active in the production of hydrogen from formic acid. However, in contrast to the Pd/C catalyst, neither gives hydrogenation of the olefins with this acid. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.