The invention discloses a catalyst for synthetic reaction of 1-methoxy-2-acetone and a preparation method thereof. The catalyst is prepared by means of a sol-gel process from a main active component,metallic copper element accounting for 15-30% by mass of the catalyst, an auxiliary active component, IA or IIA metallic element accounting for 1-6% by mass of the catalyst, and the balance, a silicondioxide support. The catalyst prepared via the method o the invention has high catalytic activity, good selectivity, long catalyst life, capability of being suitable for industrial continuous production and the like. 1-Methoxy-2-propanol is subjected to direct dehydrogenation reaction under the reaction temperature of 230-270 DEG C, reaction pressure of normal pressure and mass space velocity of1-4 h<-1> to generate 1-methoxy-2-acetone, material conversion rate may reach 70% and above, and 1-methoxy-2-acetone selectivity may reach 98% and above.