The selective hydrogenation of 9-aminoacridine (1) into 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-derivative (2) was searched using noble metal catalysts (Pd, Rh, Pt, and Ru) at around 80° C and 60° C atm of H 2. The Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was found most selective to produce 2 in a higher yield of 60% at a conversion of 97%. The hydrogenation pathway of 1 is discussed in comparison with that of acridine.