Unsatd cpds are hydrogenated in the liq. phase using a sol. catalyst prepd. by reducing a) a cpd. of a Group IB to VII B metal or iron and b) a nickel or cobalt cpd. using either a metal hydride or organometallic derivs. For a) zinc, zirconium, molybdenum or iron are specified. Cpds. preferred for a) and b) are carboxylates or acetylacetonates. The atomic ratio of metal a)/b) is from 10:1 to 0.01 to 1. The ratio of mols. reducing agent to a) plus b) metal atoms is from 0.5:1 to 10:1. The catalyst is pref. prepd. at 70-160 degrees C. In the hydrogenation the pref. conditions are 70-160 degrees C and 2-50 bars pressure. The catalyst quantity is 20-1000 ppm based on the total a) plus b) metal. A synergistic effect is obtd. with the two metal cpds. giving excellent activity and quantitative yields.
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