Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated alcohol, which uses unsaturated aldehyde as a starting material, and in which only the aldehyde group in the unsaturated aldehyde is selectively hydrogenated by hydrogen transfer reaction, while the carbon-carbon double bond is left as it is. The method is characterized by using a catalyst which contains at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of yttrium, lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium and samarium, as a main active ingredient. The catalysts exhibit high activity and selectivity, as well as a long life span.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the regeneration of a methanol-reforming talyst reduced in activity due to its use in a reaction in which methanol is modified, in the presence of water if necessary, to produce a hydrogen-containing gas. The catalyst contains copper as a principal component and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, nickel, chromium and aluminum. The method comprises exposing the catalyst to an atmosphere having a temperature of 120.degree.-650.degree. C. and a molecular oxygen concentration not higher than 5 mole %.