The racemization of R-2-amino-1-butanol proceeded effectively over a Co-Rh/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, and transmission electron microscopy. For these catalysts, Co-0 was believed to be the active sites of the catalyst, and the presence of the optimum amount of rhodium led to highly dispersed active species. The activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalyst were demonstrated, and racemic 2-amino-1-butanol was obtained with a yield > 82% under the optimum reaction conditions. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Inc.