Selective hydrogenation of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes with modified Pd/C catalyst was developed.The reduction of C=O bond could be efficiently inhibited by the addition of carbonates,and high selectivity to the corresponding saturated aldehydes was achieved under mild conditions.This protocol provides an alternative for efficient preparation of saturated aldehydes. Selective hydrogenation of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes with modified Pd / C catalyst was developed. The reduction of C = O bond could be inhibited by the addition of carbonates, and high selectivity to the corresponding saturated aldehydes was achieved under mild conditions. protocol provides an alternative for efficient preparation of saturated aldehydes.