Process for the production of catalytically-active metallic glasses

Process for the hydrogenation of olefins comprising catalytically hydrogenating at least one olefin by contacting said at least one olefin in the presence of hydrogen with an activated, vitreously-rigidified, metallic glass at a temperature and pressure which are effective to achieve said hydrogenation, said metallic glass being present in an amount effective to catalytically effect said hydrogenation, said metallic glass consisting of at least one element from Group IV A of the periodic system and at least one element from Group I B, Group V A and/or Group VIII of the periodic system, said catalyst being activated before said hydrogenation step by subjecting said catalyst to an oxidative and/or reductive treatment or said catalyst being activated in situ during said hydrogenation step by said at least one olefin and/or said hydrogen.