From the adsorption point of view, partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over the metallic Zn modified Ru-based catalyst was experimentally and theoretically investigated. A decreased hydrogenation activity but increased selectivity to cyclohexene over the prepared Ru-Zn/ZrO2 catalyst was observed in the partial hydrogenation of benzene. Theoretical calculations suggest that the above phenomena are mainly resulted from the depression of the chemisorption of benzene and cyclohexene on the modified catalyst, especially for the latter. Undesired deep hydrogenation from cyclohexene to cyclohexane in the middle and late reaction stage therefore is effectively retarded, by which an improved cyclohexene yield is guaranteed. An optimal Zn content of 2.72 wt.% in the Ru-based catalyst was proposed by both the experiment and calculation for the partial hydrogenation of benzene, and a cyclohexene yield up to 44% was obtained over Ru-Zn/ZrO2 catalyst. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.