To provide a new catalyst and a production method using the same to produce a hydroxy ketone capable of recovering a useful hydrogen at a high selectivity and a high yield.

Catalysts for producing a hydroxy ketone containing copper as an essential constituent and made by using a diol as a raw material, e.g., a catalyst containing copper and another constituent, a catalyst made without using an alkali metal compound and an alkaline earth metal compound in the process of making the catalyst, a catalyst made by using a precipitant in the process of making the catalyst, the precipitant being ammonia, a catalyst containing 30wt.% of copper to the total weight of the catalyst, a catalyst containing 90wt.% of copper and the like catalyst, are used. The hydroxy ketone is made by using the catalysts.