The superior catalytic activity in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone of Cu/Mgo coprecipitated catalyst over corresponding impregnated and solid-solid wetting catalysts is ascribed to the higher Cu metal area and interaction between the microcrystals of CuO and MgO associated with coprecipitated catalyst. Further, the effect of Cu loading on the activity of Cu/MgO coprecipitated catalysts indicates that the catalyst comprising of similar to16 wt.% Cu exhibits higher activity. The catalysts have been characterized by different techniques, viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), BET-surface area measurements and N2O decomposition for measuring Cu metal surface areas and the results have been correlated with the activities of catalysts where ever possible. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.