An efficient conversion of biomass-derived ethyl lactate to 1

2-propanediol (1

2-PDO) over CuO was investigated. Among the catalysts we tested

CuO

Cu

2

O and Co showed excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of ethyl lactate to 1

2-PDO in water

and CuO was more active and gave the best result. The 1

2-PDO yield of 93.6% was achieved when Zn acted as a reductant. The results indicated that in situ formed hydrogen by the oxidation of Zn in water is more effective than gaseous hydrogen

which failed to produce the 1

2-PDO from ethyl lactate. From a practical point of view

the present method may provide a useful route for the production of 1

2-PDO from ethyl lactate.