Cu/sio2 catalyzed hydrogenation of cyclohexanones under very mild conditions

Unsubstituted and alkyl-substituted cyclohexanones, including 3-oxo-steroids, can be easily hydrogenated to the corresponding alcs. under 1 atm of H2 at 60-90° over an 8% Cu/SiO2 non-toxic, reusable catalyst with excellent selectivity.