Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of a supported metal catalyst containing at least one metal belonging to Group A and optionally at least one metal belonging to Group B, wherein Group A encompasses the metals palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, platinum, iridium, osmium, silver, gold and cadmium and Group B encompasses the metals zinc, mercury, germanium, tin, antimony and lead. According to the invention, the metal(s) is (are) applied onto the support in the presence of at least one compound of the general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each stands for a straight-chained or branched C.sub.1-20 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl group or a phenyl-(C.sub.1-4 alkyl) group optionally having additional substituents, preferably C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups, on the phenyl ring, andX is hydroxy group or the residue of an organic or mineral acid.According to the invention, highly active catalysts can be prepared by an easy and economical process.