Abstract: An improved method for selectively hydrogenating an alkylphenol to produce the corresponding cis-alkylcyclohexanol by employing a solid catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst useful in this method is a ruthenium catalyst supported on an alumina carrier. This catalyst exhibits excellent reactivity, selectivity and durability in the catalytic hydrogenation compared to conventional rhodium or ruthenium catalysts, such as ruthenium oxide and ruthenium catalysts supported on carbon. The alkylcyclohexanol product contains so much cis-isomer that it is suitable as such for use as an intermediate for the synthesis of varous chemicals, such as perfumes.