The selectivetransformation of the aldehyde group (–CHO) in multifunctional oxygenates is a key challenge in the development of sustainable biomass feedstock. Herein, a smart Ni-MFC catalyst was developed from a 2D Ni-based metal–organic framework (MOF), which efficiently promoted the transformation of –CHO in the presence of H2 to a methyl group (–CH3) via the reductive etherification and hydrogenolysis