Abstract: The invention provides a process for selective hydrogenation of alkynes and other unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as acetylene and diolefins, with a catalyst comprising Pd and, optionally, at least one metal from the IA, IB, IIIA, IIIB, VB, or VIIIB Groups, where the metals are supported on a porous material, such as titania. If the process is in the absence of carbon monoxide (CO) in the feed, at least one metal from the IA, IB or IIIA Groups should be present in the catalyst, e.g., potassium, boron or silver. If the carbon monoxide (CO) is present in the feed, the catalyst consists essentially of Pd supported on a porous material, such as titania.