Selective hydrogenation process using layered catalyst composition and preparation of said catalyst

A process for selectively hydrogenating a C8-C19 diolefin to a C8-C19 monoolefin in a hydrocarbon mixture comprising the C8-C19 diolefin and the C8-C19 monoolefin, the process comprising the step of:

• bringing the hydrocarbon mixture under selective hydrogenation conditions into contact with a catalyst to give substantially a C8-C19 monoolefin product;
• wherein the catalyst comprises
• (a) an inner core comprising a first refractory inorganic component, wherein the first refractory inorganic component is selected from the group consisting of alpha alumina, theta alumina, silicon carbide, metals, cordierite, zirconia, titania and mixtures thereof,
• (b) an outer layer bonded to said inner core, said outer layer comprising a second refractory inorganic component having dispersed thereon at least one IUPAC Group 10 metal and at least one IUPAC Group 11 metal, wherein the second refractory inorganic component is selected from the group consisting of gamma alumina, delta alumina, eta alumina, theta alumina, silica-alumina, zeolites, nonzeolitic molecular sieves, titania, zirconia, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the first refractory inorganic component has a lower adsorptive capacity than the second refractory inorganic component.