Non-aqueous removal of soluble hydrogenation catalyst

A process for the removal of hydrogenation catalyst residue, wherein said hydrogenation catalyst was formed by mixing (a) a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylaluminum or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyllithium compound and (b) an organonickel compound of the following formula:

• ##STR2## where R is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl or cycloalkyl, from a solution containing said hydrogenation catalyst and from about 1 to 50 wt. % of a hydrogenated olefinic polymer in a hydrocarbon solvent, said process comprising contacting said solution with a non-aqueous organic acid followed by neutralization with anhydrous base and filtration of said solution, thereby removing said hydrogenation catalyst residue.