It is shown by the response method that the mechanism of the hydrogenation of n-butyraldehyde on copper-containing catalysts includes the rapid and reversible reaction of adsorbed aldehyde and an H atom with the formation of a semihydrogenated form, subsequent addition in the slow step of a second H atom and elimination of butyl alcohol into the gas phase. The occurrence of isotope exchange between n-butyraldehyde and deuterium under reaction conditions on a pure catalyst confirmed the possibility of atomic hydrogen existing on the surface of the copper.