The racemization of R-(-)-2-amino-1-butanol in a reaction using Co/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts and catalysts modified by Mg or Ca was investigated in this paper. Complete racemization was achieved with a yield of over 83% at using the Mg modified Co/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst under optimized reaction conditions of 170 degrees C and 2.5 MPa of H-2. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized by XRD, XPS, TPR, SEM and TEM. The addition of Mg and Ca may be advantageous for dispersing and stabilizing the active species of the Co/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst, protecting from sintering, significantly improving its catalytic activity and stability.