An unsupported hydrogenation catalyst, composed of a complex formed by bonding a metal central atom or central ion with an organic ligand through a coordination bond, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of Group VB metals, Group VIB metals, Group VIII metals, Group IB metals or combinations thereof that have a hydrogenation activity, the organic ligand comprises a hydrocarbyl moiety and a coordinating group that is —C(═O)—O group, and forms a coordination bond with the metal central atom or central ion through an oxygen atom, and the catalyst shows an infrared spectrum with characteristic peaks at positions of 700-1000 cm−1, 1350-1450 cm−1 and 1500-1610 cm−1.