Abstract: A catalyst for the production of alkenylaromatics from alkylaromatics, wherein the catalyst is predominantly iron oxide, an alkali metal compound and a small amount of a source for palladium or platinum. Additional components of the catalyst may include compounds based on cerium, molybdenum, tungsten and other such promoters. Also a process for the production of alkenylaromatics from alkylaromatics using this catalyst.

Abstract: A palladium-base catalyst can selectively hydrogenate highly unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds contained in small amounts in an olefin compound prepared by steam cracking or the like of naphtha without causing hydrogenation of the olefin as a side reaction and the precipitation of a carbonaceous material. The catalyst comprises palladium and alumina, and the exposed face of each palladium crystallite is mainly accounted for by (100) and (110) faces. Further, in the desorption of absorbed hydrogen by heating, desorption peaks are observed in the temperature ranges of 40 to 90.degree. C. and of 120 to 170.degree. C. and the ratio of hydrogen desorption amount of the former to the latter is (4:6) to (3:7).