| abstract |
A process for hydrogenating aromatic compounds in which at least one hydroxyl group is bonded to an aromatic ring comprises bringing at least one of these compounds into contact with free hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises ruthenium and, if desired, at least one metal of transition groups I, VII and VIII in an amount of from 0.01 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.2 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst, applied to a support, where the support has a mean pore diameter of at least 0.1 μm, preferably at least 0.5 μm, and a surface area of at most 15 m 2 /g, preferably at most 10 m 2 /g. |