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 alcohols at 1 atm of H2 and 60–90°C over a 8% Cu/SiO2 non-toxic, reusable catalyst with excellent selectivity.