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Zerovalent Group VIII metals dispersed on alpha-alumina are hydrothermally stable hydrogenation catalysts which may be used advantageously in the reduction of aqueous solutions of carbohydrates. The use of ruthenium on alpha-alumina in the hydrogenation of glucose affords sorbitol in excellent yield

Zerovalent Group VIII metals dispersed on alpha-alumina are hydrothermally stable hydrogenation catalysts which may be used advantageously in the reduction of aqueous solutions of carbohydrates. The use of ruthenium on alpha-alumina in the hydrogenation of glucose affords sorbitol in excellent yields with quite high selectivity, and with minimal leaching of either ruthenium or alumina.

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1. A method for the hydrogenation of a carbohydrate to its polyol(s) comprising contacting at hydrogenating conditions an aqueous solution of the carbohydrate with hydrogen and a catalyst consisting essentially of a zerovalent Group VIII metal selected from the group consisting of osmium, ruthenium,

1. A method for the hydrogenation of a carbohydrate to its polyol(s) comprising contacting at hydrogenating conditions an aqueous solution of the carbohydrate with hydrogen and a catalyst consisting essentially of a zerovalent Group VIII metal selected from the group consisting of osmium, ruthenium, palladium and platinum dispersed on alpha-alumina, and recovering the formed polyol(s). 2. The method of claim 1 where the carbohydrate is a monosaccharide. 3. The method of claim 2 where the monosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of hexoses, pentoses, and tetroses. 4. The method of claim 3 where the monosaccharide is a hexose and the polyol is a hexitol. 5. The method of claim 4 where the hexose is glucose or mannose and the hexitol is sorbitol or mannitol, respectively. 6. The method of claim 4 where the hexose is fructose and the polyol is a mixture of sorbitol and mannitol. 7. The method of claim 1 where the metal is ruthenium. 8. The method of claim 1 where the hydrogenation conditions include a hydrogen pressure from about 700 to about 5000 psig and a temperature from about 80° to about 160° C. 9. The method of claim 8 where the pressure is from about 1000 to about 3000 psig. 10. The method of claim 8 where the temperature is from about 100° to about 150° C. 11. The method of claim 10 where the temperature is from about 110° to about 130° C.