Abs~a~The hydrogenation of oleic acid to oleyl alcohol over Ru-alumina and Ru-Snalumina sol-gel catalysts has been studied. It was found that, besides its hydrogenation activity, the Ru-Sn-alumina catalyst promotes the cis-trans isomerization of the unsaturated acid. This effect is used to explain some kinetic features of the system, like the high induction time observed in the formation of alcohols, and to re-examine the role of tin.