This invention is a process for making 1,2-propane diol from glycerol. The process comprises subjecting a glycerol stream to hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a transition metal promoted skeletal copper catalyst to enhance selective production of 1,2-propane diol product. Chromium promoted catalyst is preferred for this invention, and moreover, it is preferred that the skeletal copper catalyst is prepared from copper aluminum alloys that have been subjected to leaching conditions selected to achieve at least 40% leaching of aluminum from the alloy. This process is particularly conducive to conducting the hydrogenation with reactant mixture in the liquid phase. The catalysts used in this invention are particularly suitable for use in a fixed catalyst bed, but can be activated and sized so that the catalyst is also suitable for use in slurry based reactions.