This invention relates to improved catalytic compositions suited for use in
hydrogenation processes and to an improved process for hydrogenating organic compounds
as in amination of alcohols or hydrogenation of nitro groups to the amine using
the catalyst. The catalytic composition is more particularly an improvement in
nickel catalysts promoted with palladium carried on a support. The improvement
resides in including a promoting effect of a metal M and/or its oxide, selected
from Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ag, typically from about 0.01 to 10% by weight of the support.
