Abstract: A process for preparing a 1,3-alkandiol from a 3-hydroxyester, comprises preparing a catalyst by adding an alkaline precipitator to an aqueous copper salt solution to form copper hydroxide particles, and aging the particles following the addition of a colloidal silica thereto; activating the catalyst by reduction with a H2 gas or a H2-containing gas and applying a pressure of about 5 psig to about 2000 psig at a temperature of about 100° C. to about 250° C. in the presence of an activation solvent; and hydrogenating a 3-hydroxyester in a liquid phase slurry with a H2 gas or a H2-containing gas and applying a pressure of about 50 psig to about 3000 psig at a temperature of about 100° C. to about 250° C. in the presence of the activated catalyst and a reaction solvent, whereby a 1,3-alkanediol can be selectively prepared from a 3-hydroxyester with a high yield.