<p>Disclosed are processes for preparing 1,6-hexanediol and synthetic intermediates useful in the production of 1,6-hexanediol from renewable biosources. In one embodiment, a process comprises contacting levoglucosenone with hydrogen in the presence of a first hydrogenation catalyst at a first temperature to form product mixture (I); and heating product mixture (I) in the presence of hydrogen and a second hydrogenation catalyst at a second temperature to form product mixture (II) which comprises 1,6-hexanediol.</p>
