The aim of this work consists in the study of carboxylic acids hydrogenation in the aqueous phase. This kind of reaction is of relevant importance in the context of biorefinery processes such as the upgrade of pyrolysis bio-oil or for the valorization of waste streams generated during the process of bioethanol production via fermentation of aqueous broths. The target compound was represented by the respective alcohol, derived from the acid present in the solution (acetic, propionic and butyric acid hydrogenation have been performed). This aspect has to do with the fact that alcohols represent building blocks both for biorefinery operations and for the sector of green chemistry.