Catalyst for producing cycloolefin and method for making the same

A method for preparing a catalyst for hydrogenating an aromatic hydrocarbon having the formula ##STR5## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or a C.sub.1 - C.sub.3 alkyl group under hydrogen pressure of 5 - 100 atmospheres at a temperature of 100.degree. - 200.degree. C in an aqueous medium having a pH of 2 - 7 to a cyclomonoolefin, which comprises:

• 1. immersing a carrier into a first aqueous solution containing at least one salt whose cationic component is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc, manganese and iron thereby obtaining a treated carrier containing said salt and thereafter separating said salt impregnated carrier from said first aqueous solution;
• 2. supporting at least one ruthenium or rhodium compound on said treated carrier and reducing said compound such that ruthenium or rhodium is reduced to the metallic state;
• 3. immersing the carrier supporting at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium and rhodium into a second aqueous solution containing at least one salt whose cationic component is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, zinc, manganese and iron thereby obtaining a ruthenium and/or rhodium supported carrier which is impregnated with said salts of steps (1) and (3) and separating the resultant catalyst from said second aqueous solution.