Abstract: A method for preparing a copper-containing hydrogenation reaction catalyst includes the step of reducing a formed precursor of a copper-containing hydrogenation reaction catalyst with hydrogen gas or a mixture of hydrogen and inert gas by liquid phase reduction in a stream of a solvent. The reductive activation is carried out by the two steps of performing the first stage of liquid phase reduction by which the catalyst precursor is activated in the temperature range of from 20.degree. to 140.degree. C. so that at least 10% by weight of the copper oxide contained in the catalyst precursor can be reduced by the time when the temperature passes 140.degree. C., and then performing the second stage of liquid phase reduction by which the catalyst precursor is further activated in the temperature range of from 140.degree. to 250.degree. C. The catalyst thus obtained has markedly improved catalytic activity and selectivity.

Abstract: A copper-containing hydrogenation reaction catalyst is prepared by reducing a precursor of a copper-containing catalyst usable in hydrogenation reaction with hydrogen gas or a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas by liquid phase reduction in a stream of a solvent in the temperature range of from 50.degree. to 140.degree. C. An alcohol is produced using the catalyst thus obtained in a fixed bed continuous reaction system.

Abstract: A copper-containing hydrogenation reaction catalyst is prepared by reducing a precursor of a copper-containing catalyst usable in hydrogenation reaction with hydrogen gas or a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas by liquid phase reduction in a stream of a solvent in the temperature range of from 50.degree. to 140.degree. C. An alcohol is produced using the catalyst thus obtained in a fixed bed continuous reaction system.