A process for producing 1,3-propanediol comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous solution of 3-hydroxypropanal, b) hydrogenating the 3-hydroxypropanal to form a first crude 1,3-propanediol mixture comprising 1,3-propanediol, water, and MW 132 cyclic acetal, c) distilling the first crude 1,3-propanediol mixture to remove water and low boiling impurities and form a second crude 1,3-propanediol mixture, d) contacting the second crude 1,3-propanediol mixture with a solid acid purifier at a temperature of from about 50 to about 250null C. to convert the MW 132 cyclic acetal to more volatile cyclic acetals, and e) separating the more volatile cyclic acetals from the 1,3-propanediol by distillation or gas stripping.