CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION OF 3-HIDROXIPROPANAL TO PRODUCE 1, 3-PROPANODIOL.

The present invention provides an improved process for the hydrogenation of 3-hydroxypropanal to 1, 3-propanediol which comprises purifying an aqueous solution of 3-hydroxypropanal by contacting said aqueous solution with a purifying agent prior to hydrogenation.