In the prior art methods of dehydrogenating cyclohexanol, of which the present invention is an improve ment, the catalyst is, for example, copper oxide, preferably mixed with chromium oxide or other supports. The catalyst is optionally mixed with other additives such as, for example, iron oxide, magnesium oxide, or other alkaline earth oxides, preferably barium oxide. It is also possible to use a catalyst treated, for example, with sodium borohydride.