A process for the catalytic removal of hydrogen cyanide, formic acid and formic acid derivatives from synthesis gas comprising these compounds, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, the process comprising contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, copper, palladium, platinum and their mixtures and supported on a carrier comprising at least one of the oxides of scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, zinc, chromium and molybdenum.