Carbon-coated monolithic catalysts were prepared by dipcoating a cordierite substrate in a Furan resin, after which the ruthenium was incorporated by impregnation with a [RuCl5](2-) complex. Immobilization of the precursor proceeded particularly via weak physisorption. Since the carbon-coated monolithic supports have a broad pore-size distribution, redistribution of the ruthenium precursor occurred upon drying due to capillary forces, resulting in low dispersion. A significant amount of ruthenium is present on the surface of the carbon inclusions located deep in the cordierite walls, making the diffusion path of the reactants to the active ruthenium sites considerably larger than the average carbon-coating thickness. For successful application of the carbon-coated monolithic catalysts in gas - liquid reactions, the deposition of carbon in the walls of the monolith should be prevented and maldistribution of ruthenium upon drying should be solved.