A preliminary study of the surface reactivity of 2D--Mo2C crystallites grown on a copper foil was performed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Different sample preparation protocols for the as-received materials were explored in order to remove hydrocarbon surface contamination. Annealing in vacuum and in argon led to the formation of graphitic layers, while annealing in O-2 lead to almost the complete disappearance of the Mo signal. Gentle argon ion sputtering proved effective at removing the hydrocarbon contamination to reveal pristine molybdenum carbide. XPS spectra were recorded following the exposure of the prepared sample at 297K to furfural. The results are commented on in relation to deoxygenation and olefin metathesis surface chemistry.