Process for the removal of oxygen from a gas mixture comprising oxygen, at
least one olefin, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and optionally at least one
alkyne, the ratio of oxygen:hydrogen in the gas mixture being 1 part by
volume of oxygen to at least 5 parts by volume of hydrogen. The process
comprises contacting the gas mixture with a catalyst in a reaction zone
under conditions sufficient to oxidise at least a portion of the hydrogen
and to oxidize at least a portion of the carbon monoxide and without
significant hydrogenation of the at least one olefin. The catalyst
comprises at least one metal or oxide of a metal from the 10.sup.th group
of the Periodic Table of Elements, the metal or oxide of the metal being
supported on an oxide support, provided that the catalyst also comprises
tin.