Abstract: An aromatics hydrogenation catalyst composition which comprises a noble metal component and a support comprising zirconia, silica, and, optionally, alumina. The catalyst composition is manufactured by co-mulling silica, a zirconium compound, and, optionally, alumina to form a mixture that is formed into a shape, such as by extrusion to form an extrudate, with the shape being calcined and noble metal being incorporated into the shape. The catalyst composition may be used in the saturation of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating an aldehyde. An aldehyde is contacted with a catalyst comprising a support containing at least 95% ?-alumina and non-support metals dispersed on the surface of the support. The non-support metals comprise nickel and/or one or more compounds thereof and molybdenum and/or one or more compounds thereof. The nickel and/or one or more compounds thereof comprise from 3 wt. % to 9 wt. % of the catalyst, by metallic weight, and the molybdenum and/or one or more compounds thereof comprise from 1 wt. % to 4 wt. % of the catalyst, by metallic weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogenation catalyst effective for hydrogenating 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde to 1,3-propanediol. The hydrogenation catalyst comprises an ?-alumina support, nickel, ruthenium, and a promoter. The nickel is deposited on the ?-alumina support, and the ruthenium and the promoter are deposited on the nickel and the ?-alumina support. The ?-alumina support comprises at least 92 wt. % of the catalyst, and the nickel comprises from 1 wt. % to 6 wt. % of the catalyst. The present invention also provides a process of hydrogenating 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde to 1,3-propanediol with the catalyst.