The liquid phase hydrogenation of citral has been investigated over Pd (2.42%) supported on clinoptilolite rich natural zeolite catalyst for different reaction conditions. The zeolite support did not affect the active metal properties. This was attributed to the large size of Pd particles on the support. High selectivity (90%) to citronellal was obtained at complete conversion of citral. The catalytic activity increased with reaction temperature (80, 100, 120 degrees C following an Arrhenius behaviour, while selectivity remained constant for a given conversion. Selectivity to citronellal increased from 78 to 90% with increase in the amount of catalyst in the reaction solution (Citral/Pd mole ratio 293, 176 and 105). The spent catalyst regained its fresh activity and selectivity upon regeneration. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.