Abstract: The composition of and method for preparing a novel catalyst is disclosed for use in the hydrogenolysis of methyl glycol formals. The novel catalyst is prepared by impregnating a porous alumina substrate with a solution of compounds of nickel and ruthenium, and evaporating and reducing the resulting slurry to provide a substrate impregnated with a catalytic surface composition comprised of a mixture of metallic nickel and metallic ruthenium. When this catalyst is used as the catalyst in the hydrogenolysis of methyl glycol formals, improved reaction rates in the formation of the desired glycol dimethyl ether are obtained.