Doped microporous graphitic carbons as metal-free catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes

•Microporous graphitic carbons (0.64 nm) doped with N or P at various levels have been prepared.•The process involves pyrolysis ofα-cyclodextrin that self-assembles during the process.•N- and P-doped graphitic carbons exhibit activity for partial hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes.•N- and P-doped carbons appear stable under reaction conditions and exhibit constant TOF values.•The most active N-doped carbons exhibits chemo and stereo selectivity towards the cis configured alkene.