Attention has been paid to the role of a macroligand in the regioselective catalytic hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. The macroligands tested were of ordered, regular structures and also served as catalytic supports (natural graphite, plankton based silica, latex templated titania). The active part - ruthenium - was, besides the macroligands, supported also on active charcoal and high surface area sol-gel prepared silica and titania.