We present a highly selective and active Pd carbon catalyst prepared by an easy hydrothermal synthesis method. This synthetic procedure allows the stabilization under mild conditions of interstitial carbon atoms on the surface of a Pd-0 carbon catalyst. The so formed Pd carbide phase appears on the upper surface layers of the Pd carbon catalyst, as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron depth profile analysis using variable synchrotron X-ray energies. The presence of carbon in the palladium carbide species modifies the electronic state of surface Pd atoms, resulting in more electron positive Pd species (Pdd+). This influences the adsorption of reactants and reaction intermediates during the hydrogenation of alkynes, dienes and imines, resulting in high selectivities at practically 100% conversion. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.