MoP catalyst supported on HZSM-5, HBeta and HY were prepared by wet impregnation and temperature programmed reduction (H-2-TPR), applied for the conversion of naphthalene to tetralin, and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, H-2-TPR, and NH3-TPD. Catalytic tests revealed the highest selectivity to tetralin was observed over MoP/HY with a naphthalene conversion of 85% and a tetralin selectivity of 99%. The effect of temperature and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) was also studied. Well dispersed and small particles of MoP, reduced pore size and weak acidity of HY contribute to enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity in conversion of naphthalene to tetralin. (C) 2014 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.