Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of organic compounds using water soluble catalyst in a biphasic media by: (A) forming an organo-water dispersion of (i) an organic phase having (a) an organic compound and (b) an organic solvent, and (ii) an aqueous phase having a water soluble group VIII metal catalyst composition and a water soluble ligand; and (B) contacting said dispersion with hydrogen to provide an interfacial reaction between said organic compound and said hydrogen, giving significant enhancement in the rate of reaction to produce saturated organic compound as compared to a reaction carried out in the absence of said water immiscible ligand.