Noble metal containing hydrogenation catalyst for selective hydrogenation of 1, 4 butynediol to 1, 4 butenediol, and a process for the preparation thereof

A process for the preparation of a hydrogenation catalyst of the general formula AB(y)C(z) wherein A is a support comprising of a salt of a Group II A metal or zeolite, B is a noble metal selected from Pd or Pt, y=0.2 to 10%, C is nickel and z=0 to 15.0%, with the proviso that when B is Pt, z=0, said process comprising:

• i. dissolving a noble metal precursor in a mineral acid by stirring at a temperature in the range between 60° C. to 120° C.;
• ii. diluting the above solution by adding water;
• iii. adjusting the pH of the solution to the range of 8-12 by adding a base;
• iv. adding a support to the above solution;
• v. heating the mixture to a temperature in the range of 60° C. to 120° C.;
• vi. reducing the above mixture using a conventional reducing agent;
• vii. separating the catalyst formed by any conventional method;
• viii. washing and drying the product to obtain the catalyst.