This article shortly overviews our recent work on the application of metal supported molecular sieve catalysts in liquid-phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. The topic covers catalyst deactivation, influence of the support, active metals as well as the influence of reaction conditions on catalytic performance. Acquired results demonstrate superior performance of microporous supports (zeolites) compared to mesoporous MCM-41, which was relatively unselective and less active. At optimised conditions, selectivity towards cinnamylalcohol of about 60-70% and reasonable activity were achieved. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.