The hydrogenation of 9,10-dihydro-12-hydroxymethylene-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11-one was studied over ruthenium- and platinum-supported catalysts. The influence of several parameters on the activity and the diastereoselectivity of the reaction was studied and it was shown that the nature of the metal played a significant role. In the presence of platinum, both carbonyl groups were reduced with low diastereoselectivity towards the cis diol, while in the presence of ruthenium the diastereoselectivity could reach 60% in favour of the trans diol. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.