| abstract |
The present invention is directed toward a hydrogenation process using a highly active aromatics hydrogenation catalyst. The catalyst is prepared by decomposing a catalyst precursor selected from the group consisting of metal amine molybdates, metal amine tungstates and mixtures thereof, wherein said metal amine catalyst precursor has the general formula ML (MoyW1-yO4)a where M is Cr and/or one or more divalent promoter metals selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn; L is one or more neutral nitrogen-containing ligands at least one of which is a chelating polydentate ligand; 0</=y</=1; and a=1 for non-chromium containing catalysts and wherein 0.5</=a</=3 for chromium containing catalysts, at a temperature of about 200 DEG C. to about 400 DEG C. in an inert atmosphere; then reducing at a temperature of about 300 DEG C. to about 450 DEG C. said metal amine catalyst precursor to form a mixed metal oxide catalyst of the formula ML(MoyW1-yOb)a where M, L and y are as above and b<4. The catalyst as prepared above is used in an aromatics hydrogenation processes. |