Pt-loaded H-beta zeolite was identified as a highly active catalyst for the bifunctional transformation of citronellal to menthol, with isopulegol as the intermediate. With a 2 wt% Pt-loaded catalyst, citronellal is fully converted within 12 h, with only 2.5 wt% catalyst with respect to citronellal, and with a citronellal to Pt molar ratio of 2500. 1,4-Dioxane is the best reaction solvent, because it minimizes the unwanted direct hydrogenation of citronellal and promotes its stereoselective cyclization to isopulegol, leading to high menthol yields. The stereoselectivity can be improved moderately by using a Zr-impregnated support and more substantially by performing high-temperature (750 C) treatment of the calcined and reduced catalyst. This treatment presumably creates extra Lewis acidity on the catalyst and results in 88% stereoselectivity for the desired menthol. Overall, an 85% yield of (-)-menthol was obtained. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.